E-Bike Education Saves Lives
In recent years, e-bikes have rapidly gained popularity with teens across the nation, providing a convenient and eco-friendly mode of transportation. As their numbers grow, so does the need for comprehensive education on safe riding practices. We’re excited to see that e-bike education is developing nationally, making it easier for everyone to stay safe on the roads.
One promising development is the inclusion of e-bike maneuvering courses in motorcycle riding schools. This expansion demonstrates a commitment to integrating e-bike safety into broader road education. These courses offer riders some valuable skills that might improve their safety and confidence while navigating around town.
But by far the most impressive e-bike training course we’ve come across is offered through Cycling Savvy, a program developed by the American Bicycling Education Association.
CyclingSavvy is Something Special
Led by longtime professional cycling safety instructor Keri Caffrey, this affordable yet comprehensive online course is specially designed for teens. It focuses on essential skills like knowing “The Rules of Movement,” which explains several practical guidelines that go beyond basic DMV information, including how to understand predictability for both riders and motorists while also mastering who moves first at intersections with clear guidelines on priority.
Sign up for CyclingSavvy’s Teen Course at https://teenebiketraining.com/
CyclingSavvy Cofounder Keri Caffrey
In speaking with the Bellemont Project, Caffrey offers parents an important warning about riding e-bikes. “Many people have a misconception that increased speed doesn’t matter, or worse, that it makes a bike rider safer. The truth is, the faster you go, the faster you can get into trouble. When speed is combined with a lack of understanding about where and how crashes happen, it can be deadly.”
Eye-Opening for a Pro, Essential for a Teen
I thought I was an e-bike veteran after years of shop ownership and tour guiding, but taking the CyclingSavvy course was an amazing, eye-opening experience. It bridged the gap between simply operating a bike in traffic and truly navigating the ecosystem of the road. After an in-person class, I pedaled away with a powerful new grasp of traffic dynamics, learning how to use the natural flow of vehicles to maximize my safety. It turns out, the safest way to ride isn’t to hide on the edge, but to communicate, be aware, and ride responsibly within the flow.
Whether in person or online, every teen needs this kind of situational awareness that simply isn’t taught in basic rules-of-the-road classes. And it’s why we see so many kids riding on the wrong side of the road or making other high-risk mistakes. They may have been lectured to “ride on the right side of the road,” but it won’t make real sense to young riders until they take this course and finally understand the WHY behind each rule.
Saving Lives and Money
It’s encouraging to see world-class professional education like this becoming more accessible and definitely affordable, with Cycling Savvy’s course available for around $35. For less than the cost of a family McDonald’s meal, their course, titled “Ebike Training for Teens,” provides a robust learning experience that helps protect not only your teen but the entire community. By equipping young riders with the right knowledge, we can all contribute to safer, more harmonious streets, sidewalks, parking lots and paths.
With educational advantages like this, we can successfully support and promote safe e-bike riding practices, contributing to a safer environment for everyone.
