With a solid educational foundation from UC Irvine in social ecology and writing, as well as a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, Beth Black combines her knack for community-building dynamics with the power of effective communication skills.

For six years, Beth co-owned and operated Pedego Greater Long Beach, a nationally known e-bike store that served mostly adults. Now, the huge demographic shift in e-bike use to teens and tweens has brought some unexpected safety challenges to the forefront.

In recent years, Beth noticed a worrying trend: teens riding e-bikes recklessly and aggressively. When a young rider nearly knocked her down during a walk in her neighborhood, it became clear that something needed to be done. This spark led her to create a comprehensive safety program, drawing on her education and experience.

Civic leaders often miss the mark on e-bike safety. They might teach basic road rules but skip over advanced measures like teaching situational awareness or providing a behavior-management program. Instead, they slap on one-size-fits-all laws or freeze and do nothing. But understanding the value of informed nuance is key to launching effective initiatives.

Beth has spoken on invitation before the American Trauma Society and Safer California. Now, she looks forward to sharing her expertise with communities. She has enjoyed bringing together world-class experts, such as ER doctors, psychologists, law enforcement professionals, traffic engineering experts, cycling authorities, and more. Together, they can improve e-bike safety for everyone.