Addressing Residents’ Concerns

A NOTE TO COMMUNITY LEADERS: WHY THE BELLEMONT PROJECT EXISTS

"When I tried to complain at a city council meeting, I was one of many people, and we were each given only 90 seconds to speak." ~ Beth Black

As civic leaders, it's imperative that you engage with residents' concerns, especially when they are being voiced loudly on social media without response by civic leaders. Many communities are experiencing an increase in complaints about reckless and aggressive e-bike riding. Here are some key points to consider:

Recognizing Resident Concerns

Your residents feel under attack as they encounter teens and tweens riding e-bikes recklessly. These incidents create an environment where people feel unsafe on sidewalks and bike paths. Even while driving, they have experienced problems with teens’ aggressive riding behaviors on streets and in parking lots. Recognizing and acknowledging these concerns is a critical first step in building trust and demonstrating that their safety is a priority. Addressing these issues promptly reassures residents that their voices are heard and that action will be taken.

Social Media Videos Inspire Misconduct

Many of us have seen it. One or more teens rearing up with their front wheels high in the air. We used to call those "wheelies" back in the day when kids rode standard bicycles. A wheelie usually didn't last more than a few seconds, as it was impossible to pedal in that position for most riders. These days, the throttle has changed everything. Couple that with a banana seat that allows riders to slide back, throwing their weight over the rear tire while they hit their throttle to perform what are now called "power wheelies" that can go for a block or more.

This didn't happen in a vaccum. The stunt has been modeled numerous times in videos that can be found on social media, particularly Youtube. It's not that performing a stunt is bad. It's that teens are riding dangerously. They zoom across busy intersections — alone or in groups — making drivers nervous as they power through traffic on their rear wheels alone. This is only one reason that accidents, injuries and even deaths are on the rise. It's time to consider providing a safe space to practice stunts.

Preventing Accidents and Ensuring Safety

Some accidents involving e-bikes have resulted in serious injuries to innocent bystanders. For instance, One tragic example is the case of a 12-year-old boy who fatally wounded a 66-year-old woman in Key Biscayne, Florida, when he collided with her on his e-bike, as she rode around town on her standard bicycle. The youngster now faces homicide charges. Incidents like this highlight the urgent need for regulations and robust enforcement to prevent further tragedies. Ensuring that e-bike riders adhere to safety guidelines and proper training can significantly reduce these incidents.

Promoting Responsible E-Bike Usage

Implementing educational programs and community outreach initiatives focused on safe and responsible e-bike riding can make a substantial difference. Encouraging young riders to respect others on the road and understand the potential consequences of their actions fosters a more harmonious community. Working with schools, local organizations, and law enforcement can help promote these values and practices.

 By addressing these issues, civic leaders can work towards creating a safer and more respectful environment for all residents, fostering a community where everyone can coexist peacefully.

Are you listening? How are you currently engaging with your community to address their concerns about e-bike safety?