As mentioned at a recent city of Mercer Island and Mercer Island School District joint meeting, e-bike/scooter safety outreach continues within the city following some issues with young riders.

Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD) Chief Chris Sutter spoke at the meeting about a forthcoming assembly for the students and parents at Islander Middle School, and now the date has been set for April 11.

MIPD school resource officer Olivia Phan will lead the assembly alongside other police staff and they’ll address rules of the road and specific e-bike safety information for youth, according to the city. Sutter said they’re also working on supplying this pertinent information to high school students, which will also include delving into state laws, the differences between e-bikes and e-cycles and more.

“Responsible riding keeps us all on the road, commuting, exploring, and getting to where we want to go. Whether it’s you or your kids out there, make sure to ride responsibly, wear a helmet, and have fun,” reads a city press release.

In a previous Reporter story on e-bike safety concerns, Phan encouraged parents to equip their child riders with the correct helmets and reflective gear and make sure that they’re purchasing a pedal-assisted e-bike that is limited to under 28 mph.

Former MIPD public information officer Lindsey Tusing said the school district is passionate about sharing safety information.

“It’s important that all riders follow the rules and ride with consideration for others. The safety of riders and those around them is the reason there are laws and regulations surrounding e-bikes,” reads a city document.

According to the school district website, all riders must: Yield to pedestrians on sidewalks and in crosswalks; obey posted speed limits (exceeding the posted speed limit is a traffic violation); only ride e-bikes (or any bike) where allowed; be at least 16 years old if riding a Class 3 e-bike (speeds of up to 28 mph) in the state of Washington.

For more information about e-bike safety, rules and regulations, visit the city site at: https://www.mercerisland.gov/publicworks/page/e-bike-safety