THE BELLEMONT PROJECT

Strategic e-Bike Safety Solutions

Providing a six-point plan to help communities with professional, insightful, and effective innovation

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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 understand that social trends are more than fun fads, especially when lives are at stake. A decade ago, adults (and primarily seniors) were the first major e-bike demographic. But the pandemic led to a shift when gyms closed due to social distancing, and bikes grew in popularity as a safer outdoor option. Meanwhile, more parents started working remotely while at the same time e-bike prices dropped, making them more affordable for younger people. At first, this micro-mobility option provided a simple solution for transporting teens to school and activities. But that changed when the new bikes became the status symbol of choice and the teen e-bike craze erupted.

A lot has changed.

YouTube and other social media platforms intensified the situation by allowing videos that promoted unsafe and even aggressive riding practices. As a result, stunt riding has grown in popularity across the nation, and around the world. So-called "street takeovers" or even "city takeovers" show riders brashly pulling stunts in traffic and in front of cars — all to make aggressive riders go viral as anti-heroes. The truth is, these influencers occasionally admit that they've received some value (such as free rides or even free bikes) for participating in the provocative videos that lure teens in.

Unsavory sales tactics can fuel peer pressure.

Some unscrupulous manufacturers exploit viral stunt videos to entice teens into buying motorized bikes, not all of which qualify as e-bikes. A notable example is the increased demand for bikes with "banana" seats popularized in the 1960s on Stingray bicycles, which allow riders to shift their weight to the back and lift the front wheel into a "wheelie" position. Modern bikes with throttles enable longer-lasting stunts at higher speeds, often shown in "city-takeover" videos. These videos show riders having fun popping power-wheelies in traffic, sometimes on the wrong side of the road. What these videos do not show are the significant risks involved with these behaviors and use of over-powered bikes. Peer pressure then drives teens to persuade their unwitting parents to purchase those dangerous bikes.

What can your city do?

The Bellemont Project offers civic leaders guidance to communicate best practices and provide shareable content that supports e-bike safety across whole communities — this includes families, police, e-bike retailers, schools, and more. Ensuring teens ride legally defined e-bikes can help control their motorized speed. Informing all officers on methods of detecting speed governor tampering will provide additional supervision. Providing repeat offenders with strategic educational exercises will also help to motivate improved riding behaviors. Some clear rules already exist for making, selling, and riding proper e-bikes, and a better-informed community will contribute to everyone's safety. The Bellemont Project helps regions determine additional governance that can accelerate e-biking toward a better future as a safer micro-mobility option ... and perhaps even as a recognized 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.

CLICK TO SEE THE SOLUTIONSA Comprehensive Six-Point Plan

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.