Safe e-bike riding protects everyone

Safe e-bike riding protects everyone

Published on August 09, 2026

E-bikes have become a frequent topic in the news-for all the wrong reasons. While e-bikes are a legitimate and increasingly popular mode of transportation, recent headlines have focused on reports of injuries and incidents involving reckless riding and large, unruly bike mobs.

The risk of serious injury or even death increases significantly when bicyclists engage in unsafe or illegal behavior, including:

• Ignoring traffic laws and posted signage
• Swerving in roadways
• Failing to wear a safety helmet
• Riding while distracted, such as using cell phones or wearing earbuds
• Wearing dark clothing at night, reducing visibility
• Hitching onto moving vehicles
• Riding against traffic
• Not using hand signals
• Failing to yield to pedestrians
• Carrying passengers
• Riding at unsafe speeds and modifying e-bikes to reach higher speeds
• Riding on sidewalks, in parks and along nature trails in Lakewood

As e-bike use continues to grow, it is important for all riders to follow the rules of the road and prioritize safety for themselves and others. We urge bicyclists to ride smart or don't ride at all.

The City of Lakewood and Lakewood Sheriff's Station actively enforce a Zero Tolerance Policy for unsafe e-bike activity. Parents will be held responsible for their child's e-bike violations. Improper use of e-bikes can result in citations and fines, vehicle impoundment, mandatory safety education and child endangerment considerations in serious cases.

For more information, please visit the E-Bike safety page.

• Public Safety