Supervisors Speier and Mueller Host Study Session on E-Bikes

Redwood City - Supervisors Jackie Speier and Ray Mueller have invited medical, legal, law enforcement and bike advocacy experts to a study session on e-bikes during the Board of Supervisors Meeting on May 5^th at 1 p.m. at 500 County Center in Redwood City.

"How many more headlines do we need about people getting killed or hurt in accidents involving e-bikes, or e-bikes that are actually illegal motorcycles?" Supervisor Speier said. "We are holding this study session to clear up confusion about the different types of vehicles and existing laws. Most importantly, we will hear from medical professionals about the vulnerability of youth, the severity of injuries suffered, and the dangers to bystanders. Bottom line: we want to save lives."

"We need to establish a clear, county-level ordinance for e-bikes to ensure our streets, sidewalks, pedestrians, and riders remain safe," Supervisor Mueller said. "This study session, brought forward by Supervisor Speier's attentive leadership, is the right venue to develop the right solutions for our community."

The following speakers will present during the study session:

• Bob Mittelstaedt, a former trial attorney and founder of E-Bike Access, will help to clear up the confusion about the types of electronic micromobility devices out there.

• Dr. John Maa, a trauma surgeon, will share about the special problems he sees with injuries from e-bike crashes and experiences from Marin County's efforts to find the right balance of safety and e-bike use

• San Mateo County Public Health Officer, Dr. Kismet Baldwin-Santana, will provide local data about e-bikes and health
• Mike Swire, a safe streets advocate, will share his bicycle advocate perspective

• Sheriff Ken Binder and Deputy Chris Larsen will provide information about what they are seeing on the roads and the education and outreach they provide regularly to the community

• Joe McComb, Consumer Fraud Deputy DA, will share information about statewide consumer alert and manufacturer and retailer responsibilities
• Deputy County Attorney Melissa Andrikopoulos will share information about existing laws and a proposed County ordinance

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Katrina Rill

[email protected]

650-380-1951