There’s a renewed focus on e-bike and bicycle safety in Stoneham, Massachusetts, following a crash that left a 13-year-old boy dead on Friday.
The Stoneham Police Department says it has fielded several calls about youths riding e-bikes and bicycles in an unsafe manner throughout town in the past 24 hours. There’s now an increased traffic patrol presence in town, with officers looking for anyone who may be operating any type of bike or vehicle in an unsafe manner.
The superintendent for Bedford Public Schools has identified the boy who died in Friday’s crash in Stoneham as Parker Robles, a student at John Glenn Middle School.
Police Chief James O’Connor said he’s urging the community’s youth to adhere to safe riding practices, and he’s asking parents to talk to their children about making safe choices in the aftermath of the tragic crash on Oak Street that claimed the life of Bedford middle school student Parker Robles, who was riding an e-dirt bike when he collided with a Toyota Corolla that was making a left turn onto Royal Street.
“This immense loss has been felt throughout our community, and the safety of our residents and community members is our top priority,” O’Connor said. “Our sincere and heartfelt condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the boy involved in this terrible tragedy. The last thing we want is for anyone else to get hurt. So we please urge parents to talk to their children, and our officers will remain vigilant on traffic patrols in the coming days and weeks.”
The Stoneham Police School resource officer will also be speaking to students this week about safe riding, police said.
Additionally, the police department has provided the following safety tips regarding e-bikes, e-scooters, bicycles, and traffic safety:
- An e-bike is defined as a bicycle or tricycle that is equipped with fully operational pedals and an electric motor of 750 watts or less. The motor can only power the e-bike up to 20 miles per hour. More powerful motorized bikes require registration and a driver’s license or learner’s permit.
- Although most e-bikes and e-scooters are equipped to travel no faster than 20 mph, which is the legal limit for bikes capable of providing motor assistance, this setting can sometimes be overridden. Please ensure your child’s e-bikes have tamper-proof speed limits, and if they don’t, be sure you are regularly testing the bike to make sure it cannot go faster than 20 mph. This is also a good time to check the brakes and lights.
- Always wear a helmet, no matter what. All riders under 16 are required by law to wear a properly fitted helmet.
- Use front and rear lights even during the day and wear bright or reflective clothing.
- E-bikes are not permitted on sidewalks, highways, or natural trails that are meant for non-motorized traffic. Operate e-bikes only on roads and designated bike lanes, following the same rules of the road as bicycles.
- Ride in the same direction as traffic, single file, on the right side of the road.
- Always obey stop signs, red lights and lane markings.
- The same as when you ride a regular bicycle, use hand signals when turning and make eye contact with drivers whenever possible. Aside from using hand signals, keep both hands on the handlebars.
- Come to a complete stop before crossing any street and walk your bike across.
- Stay alert and avoid distractions while riding.
A 13-year-old boy died after being hit by a car Friday afternoon.
Police are also reminding motorists of the following safety tips:
- Take extra care to look out for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in all residential areas.
- Never pass a vehicle that has stopped for pedestrians or cyclists.
- Leave at least three feet when passing a bicyclist and take extra care when turning.
- Be alert for bikes coming from driveways or behind parked cars.
Stoneham police haven’t yet said if the driver involved in Friday’s crash will face any charges. An investigation remains ongoing at this time.
Kaitlin McKinley Becker
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