Have a Safe and Successful School Year
by City Manager Ken Striplin
As summer comes to an end and students head back to school, Santa Clarita’s streets, sidewalks, trails and paseos become busier with families, pedestrians, bicyclists and e-bike riders. The start of a new school year is an exciting time, but it also serves as an important reminder that safety is everyone’s responsibility.
One of the fastest-growing transportation trends among students is the use of e-bikes. They offer a convenient and independent way to travel to school and around the community. However, with their growing popularity comes the need for greater awareness, responsibility and understanding of the rules that keep everyone safe.
Parents should take time to understand exactly what type of vehicle their child is riding. While many e-bikes are legal on streets, trails and bike paths, some high-powered e-motorcycles being marketed online are not. These vehicles often exceed legal speed limits for e-bikes and may require registration, insurance and a motorcycle license to operate legally. Riders found operating illegal vehicles may face citations, fines and even vehicle impoundment.
Equally important is practicing good e-bike etiquette. Riders should always wear a helmet, obey traffic signals and stop signs, yield to pedestrians, ride at safe speeds and avoid distractions such as headphones or mobile phones. When using trails and paseos, riders should slow down around others, stay to the right, announce themselves when passing and always be courteous to fellow trail users.
The City’s Heads Up! campaign reminds all of us to stay alert and aware of our surroundings. Drivers should watch carefully for students crossing streets and entering intersections. Pedestrians should use marked crosswalks, avoid distractions and make eye contact with drivers before crossing. Cyclists and e-bike riders should follow the rules of the road and remember that safety starts with paying attention.
Santa Clarita is proud to provide an extensive network of trails, bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. By working together and making smart choices, we can help ensure every student arrives at school and returns home safely. To learn more about e-bike classifications, safety tips and local regulations, visit BikeSantaClarita.com/Ebikes.
City Manager Ken Striplin can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.gov.