Dear Waterford Families,
As partners in the safety and well being of our students, Waterford Unified School District and the Waterford Police Department are reaching out together to address a growing concern in our community regarding bicycle, e-bike, and e-scooter safety.
Recently, the city and schools have received numerous complaints regarding the unsafe and reckless riding behaviors. These concerns include riding against traffic, failing to stop at stop signs and red lights, riding on sidewalks in crowded areas, carrying passengers on e-scooters, and operating without proper safety equipment such as helmets.
We are asking that you please share your feedback and experiences regarding bicycle and scooter safety through this survey so that it can inform future policy decisions: https://forms.gle/wBCcs3bTabm62EYc7
Over the past several years, communities across California and across the nation have experienced a significant increase in accidents and injuries involving bicycles and electric scooters. Recent studies show that emergency room visits related to e-scooters and e-bicycles continue to rise, particularly among youth riders, while law enforcement agencies are also reporting an increase in collisions involving bikes, scooters, pedestrians, and vehicles. These incidents can result in serious injuries and, in some cases, tragic outcomes.
At Waterford Unified, we want every student to arrive at school safely and return home safely each day. Our district and local law enforcement have worked proactively to provide safety education opportunities through programs such as our After School Program activities and Walk and Roll to School events. While these efforts have been valuable, we are seeing a growing need for increased awareness, education, and shared accountability to help ensure the safety of all students, pedestrians, and drivers in our community.
While electric bicycles and scooters are convenient and a fun way to travel, they are also subject to the California Vehicle Code and must be operated safely and responsibly. Unsafe use not only puts the rider at risk, but also pedestrians and drivers.
Here are some key safety reminders from our partners at the Sheriff’s Office:
• Helmets are required for all riders under the age of 18
California Vehicle Code 21212 requires riders under 18 to wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet while operating a bicycle, scooter, skateboard, or similar device.
• Do not ride on sidewalks
California Vehicle Code 21235(g) prohibits riding motorized scooters on sidewalks.
• Obey all traffic signals and signs
Bicyclists and scooter riders are subject to the same traffic laws as motor vehicles and are expected to operate safely to avoid endangering pedestrians, motorists, or other students.
• E-scooter riders must have valid drivers license or permit
California Vehicle Code 21235(d) requires operators of motorized scooters to possess a valid driver’s license or learner’s permit.
• E-bikes that can go speeds of 28mph and over, riders must be at least 16 years old
California Vehicle Code 21213(a) states that a person under 16 years of age may not operate a Class 3 electric bicycle.
• Do not carry passengers on an e-scooter or e-bike unless designed for it
California Vehicle Code 21235(e) prohibits carrying additional passengers on motorized scooters unless the device is specifically designed for it.
Many of these violations may result in citations, fines, and in some cases the seizure or impoundment of the bike or scooter by law enforcement when vehicles are operated illegally or do not meet California vehicle code classifications. Our goal, however, is education and prevention-ensuring all students can travel safely to and from school.
As an immediate step, our schools will be working closely with the Waterford Police Department to help educate students and families regarding these laws and safety expectations. Students found bringing motorized scooters or Class 3 e-bikes to school without meeting the legally required age, licensing, or permitting requirements may have parents contacted to ensure families are aware of the applicable laws and safety concerns.
Students who continue to bring illegal or improperly operated motorized vehicles to campus may also be subject to school disciplinary consequences, parent pickup requirements, and referral to law enforcement when appropriate.
In addition, we are exploring expanded opportunities for rider education, safety training, community awareness, and accountability measures to better support safe transportation practices for our students.
We recognize that this issue impacts families in different ways, and we value your input as we consider future educational efforts and possible policy updates. We encourage all families to complete the feedback form to share your experiences, concerns, and suggestions so we can continue working together to keep our students safe.
We encourage all families to review these rules with their children and emphasize the importance of safe and respectful riding habits. Thank you for your partnership, support, and commitment to student safety.