LITHIA, Fla. — Spectrum News first told you about the issues some Fish Hawk residents are having with teens riding electric powered bicycles and scooters dangerously through the neighborhood a few weeks ago when a mother started a petition for more e-bike education for students.
Now, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is stepping in, announcing it is increasing e-bike enforcement in the community, not only for teens but for parents, too.
Despite their spooky dance routine, the Fish Hawk “Mombies” say what’s really scaring them lately is how they see kids riding their e-bikes and e-scooters around the neighborhood.
“They are horrifically dangerous. The poor kids on these don’t know the rules of the road. They’re pulling out in front of traffic. They have no clue, just that middle school, early high school, ‘I’m invincible’ mentality, and they don’t look,” said Melanie Bosley.
Bosley is a member of the “Mombies.” They’ll be performing a dance routine as part of a fundraiser for metastatic breast cancer research. She is also a nurse and says she is seeing more young people as patients recently who’ve been seriously injured on e-bikes.
She is glad the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is stepping up patrols.
“I think that’s great,” said Bosley. “I think it’s accountability, I think it’s a good way to teach the kids that one, there are rules to the road, and two, you’re not invincible, and as a nurse, a helmet’s a must.”
That’s part of the message the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is trying to get across. In a statement, the office said, “Deputies assigned to the area are actively working on the problem, emphasizing education for both children and parents through phone calls when stops are made. Additionally, we are coordinating with specialized units, including our motor and bike units, to assist as needed.”
Deputies even met with residents outside a community meeting to explain the increased enforcement. “It’s a community problem, and the community needs to also step up. We’re here and we’re doing more enforcement,” said Master Sgt. H. Bashner.
Jessica Goldstein launched a petition for more education in schools on e-bike safety. She says that deputies increasing enforcement is a step in the right direction. “I’m glad that they are. Something needs to be done besides what’s going on right now.”
Goldstein’s next step is to contact county commissioners about possibly writing a new ordinance regarding e-bikes.
Fallon Silcox
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