Committee raises safety concerns as electric bikes and scooters appear at Rockland schools

Committee members raised safety concerns Wednesday about the growing number of electric bikes and scooters arriving at Rockland schools and discussed possible district responses, including safety classes and partnerships with Rockland Police.

One committee member said they had “personally ridden on a scooter extensively” and that such devices “go 30 miles an hour,” and described limited reaction time for drivers and pedestrians when scooters are at full speed. The member said the district had begun conversations with Rockland Police about offering a two-hour safety program on a weekend, potentially coupled with free helmets and a community outreach component.

Other committee members described seeing “a lot of traumas this year” tied to bicycle and scooter use and urged parents to require helmets and reflective gear. A speaker noted that community groups such as the Kiwanis Club have previously sponsored helmets and could be a potential partner.

The committee discussed whether to develop a formal policy for electric bicycles and scooters; members suggested possible options such as requiring a safety class for students who wish to ride their electric devices to school. The transcript records discussion and planning but no formal vote or new regulation was adopted at the meeting.

Officials encouraged parents to communicate with children about safety, to keep symptomatic children home during respiratory season, and to consider helmet use; the committee said it would continue conversations with Rockland Police and bring proposals back to a future meeting if needed.