Summer is here, and many are taking full advantage of school being out and the 100 degree days. And while people are out enjoying our parks and pathways, e-bikes and e-motorcycles continue to be on the minds of many residents. I, like many in our community, want our youth to enjoy life, to experience, learn and have fun. But unsafe riding practices, like going too fast, performing stunts, or weaving in and out of traffic are dangerous to all in our community – especially our youth.
Last week, the Meridian Police Department hosted an important community conversation about the use of e-bike and e-motorcycles in our city. I want to thank our officers and the many residents who took the time to attend, ask questions, and be a part of the discussion about safe riding in Meridian.
If you could not attend, I encourage you to take a few minutes to watch the full Meridian Police Department Community Meeting presentation on the City of Meridian’s YouTube Channel. In this presentation you can learn about the legal differences between e-bikes and electric motorcycles, how we are working to educate the community, and the enforcement that will occur for serious or repeat offenders.
Safety in Meridian is a shared responsibility. Parents play a critical role in understanding what type of device their child is using and ensuring it is always operated safely and legally. Every rider needs to understand the rules, respect others, and make good decisions every time they ride. So, if you are the parent of a youth with an e-bike or e-motorcycle, I am asking you to have serious conversations and understand what your children are doing on these machines to keep them and our community safe.
I appreciate the Meridian Police Department for leading this effort and our community members for engaging in this conversation. In addition to the presentation, you can visit our E-Bikes and E-Motorcycle Information page on our website to learn more.
By working together, we can reduce the danger to those who ride and keep our streets, pathways and parks safe and enjoyable for everyone.
About the author
Mayor Simison