San Marcos officials urge parents to teach e-bike safety, enforce helmet law

San Marcos Fire Chief Dan Baron, San Marcos Sheriff Station Captain Kevin Ralph and San Marcos Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Andy Johnson urged parents to teach children e-bike safety and to make sure they wear helmets.

The three officials said they have seen “too many young riders putting themselves and others at risk,” and asked families to reinforce traffic rules, enroll children in safety classes and follow manufacturers’ guidance on passenger capacity.

“We're here with an important message about e bike safety. We've seen too many young riders putting themselves and others at risk,” Captain Kevin Ralph said. He asked parents to remind children to stop at stop signs and “ride with the flow of traffic.”

“Parents, please talk to your kids and sign up for an e bike safety class,” Dr. Andy Johnson said, urging caregivers to use school- and community-based conversations to reinforce safe riding. He added, “You can only ride with someone on the back if your bike is specifically made for that.”

“1 of the simplest ways is to make sure that your kid's wearing a helmet. It's the law and the best way to protect them,” Chief Dan Baron said, citing the legal requirement to wear helmets when riding.

The officials said they will continue to work together with schools, public safety and families to promote safe riding habits. “We're not asking the parents to do this alone. We're committed to work together in keeping San Marco's kids safe,” Baron said. Captain Ralph added: “So let's keep the conversation going at school, at home, and out in our community.”

The officials closed their remarks with a reminder of the goal: “We want every young rider to get home safely at the end of the day,” Dr. Andy Johnson said.