THE BELLEMONT PROJECT
Strategic e-Bike Safety Solutions
Providing a six-point plan to help communities with professional, insightful, and effective innovation
Read our book for parents:
It would be easy to just call them spoiled brats.
But what if this is a bigger challenge than that?
At the Bellemont Project, we see social trends as vital when
lives are at risk. E-bikes, once a trend mostly among seniors, have surged among teens since the pandemic due to gym closures and affordable prices, evolving from a transportation solution to a sought-after status symbol.
A lot has changed, fueled by peer pressure.
YouTube and other platforms have fueled risky trends by allowing
promotional videos of unsafe, aggressive riding practices, popularizing stunt riding worldwide. Risky maneuvers like power wheelies and events like "street takeovers" entice teens, while influencers often receive incentives for their participation, turning viral anti-heroes into misleading role models. Peer pressure to conform has helped spread the behaviors nationally.
Unsavory sales tactics can make it worse.
Certain popular brands have misled consumers by claiming
their multi-class e-bikes are legal, despite these speedy motorized bikes being classified as out-of-class in over 30 states. This deceptive marketing not only misguides shoppers but also contributes to safety and legal concerns nationwide. Notably, a class-action lawsuit has been filed against Super73, alleging the company misrepresented its bikes in this way..
What can your city do?
The Bellemont Project champions e-bike safety by guiding
communities in best practices and innovative initiatives like the Incline
Program, which addresses reckless riding. By working with us, your city can effectively manage many of the issues, like excessive speed, and transform e-biking into a safer micro-mobility option and sport.
THE DANGER IS ESCALATING
SOARING SALES
As e-bike popularity in the younger demographic has soared, so have the sales of these micro-mobility devices. More models have now been designed to attract teens and tweens with stunt-riding options — functioning and looking more like motorcycles. In fact, few of the newer models even have working pedals, which is why you don't see teens pedaling their e-bikes.
MISCONDUCT
With the ability to out-race police, some teens have been escalating dangerous and often illegal behaviors to increase the thrill of their experience. In Hermosa Beach, teens tossed lit fireworks at a busy walkway near the city's pier, injuring bystanders. In Irvine, vandalism has escalated at the Great Park. And in Ladera Ranch, e-biking teens threw frozen water balloons at cars, severely injuring a passenger's eye.
BAD PRESS
Hermosa Beach suffered bad press when e-biking teens attacked a beach crowd with live fireworks. Huntington Beach gained notoriety when the local children's hospital (CHOC) named them as the #1 city in the region for serious injuries on e-bikes. In Key Biscayne, Florida, a woman on a standard bike was killed when a 12-year-old on an e-bike crashed into her. Tourists planning vacations may see such incidents as incentive to go elsewhere.
RISING RISKS
The statistics provided by governmental agencies have shown marked increases in incidents, accidents and injuries across the nation in the past few years. As sales increase, and teens' risky behaviors escalate, this will remain a problem ... until every region adopts more effective strategies for managing this phenomenon. The risk of lawsuits against local and regional municipalities will go up as due diligence becomes a bigger issue.
STILL NOT SURE?
Frequently Asked Questions
Civic leaders have questions. Here are a some quick answers...
Question 1: How will this impact our limited resources?
We understand that resources can be limited, which is why the Bellemont Project offers a cost-effective and time-saving solution. When compared to the potential damages and consequences of lawsuits arising from e-bike incidents, our program offers significant savings. By investing in proactive safety measures, you'll not only protect your community but also avoid the costly repercussions of legal issues. In accordance with our social-enterprise mission, all summit fees are affordable for participating municipalities, and our extensive bonuses further ensure that you receive maximum value for your investment. Our time-sensitive scheduling requires a minimal investment of manpower resources to reap potentially huge rewards for participation. Additionally, all introductory webinars are currently free to the general public.
Question 2: Can't we wait until we see a larger problem locally?
It's easy to underestimate the urgency of addressing e-bike safety, but sales are soaring throughout the nation. At the same time, e-bike stunts like the "power wheelie" have exploded in popularity, fueled by social media videos modeling dangerous behavior on city streets. Many cities are not fully aware of the true extent of the problem unless they are actively monitoring neighborhood groups that show "complaint" comments on social media. By proactively participating in the Bellemont Project, you can get ahead of rising issues, prevent potential accidents, and foster a safer community for everyone.
Question 3: How can we be sure that the Bellemont Project is the right choice for us?
The Bellemont Project is based on Beth Black's extensive research and real-world experience in managing e-bike safety. With degrees in Social Ecology and writing from UC Irvine, a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and hands-on experience running an e-bike shop, Beth brings a comprehensive and unique perspective to this issue. Additionally, her connections with experts in related fields ensure that our approach is both innovative, effective, and informed by e-bike best practices.
DON'T LEAVE E-BIKE SAFETY TO CHANCE.
The strategies you learn can save lives.
BellemontProject.com