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Melbourne police outline e-bike education and enforcement plan after 25 crashes this year
Summary
Police briefed council that there have been 25 e-bike crashes year-to-date in Melbourne, including one fatality, and proposed a campaign of education (PSAs, school outreach, helmet fittings) paired with targeted enforcement; council endorsed an education-first approach coordinated with the Space Coast TPO.
Melbourne police told council May 12 that e-bike use and illegal electric mopeds have produced growing safety concerns this year. Chief Dave Gillespie said the department has recorded 25 crashes involving e-bikes so far in 2026 and that about half involved juveniles; Sergeant Ben Slover added the incidents include one fatality.
The chief and traffic-sergeant outlined a two-track plan: public education and outreach (school visits, PSAs and helmet-fitting events with the Space Coast TPO) plus targeted enforcement details focused on dangerous riding behaviors — especially high speeds on sidewalks, failure to yield to pedestrians and illegal motorized bikes without pedals or seats that classify as motorcycles under state law. "Most of the enforcement action and stuff that we can take to help with safety is already on the books," the sergeant said, and added the department will emphasize education for juveniles and conversations with parents rather than punitive fines for first offenses.
Leah Nepo (Space Coast TPO community engagement coordinator) told council the TPO already runs school and parent education, helmet-fitting programs and community outreach and offered to coordinate local efforts. Council members asked police to identify high-priority corridors and to work with schools and the TPO on consistent messaging; members also suggested highly visible education displays similar to past Mothers Against Drunk Driving campaigns.
Council expressed general support for the education-first approach and encouraged the police to continue targeted enforcement in downtown and other high‑pedestrian areas while tracking crash data and returning with proposed locations for any ordinance changes or speed restrictions.
