Police consider guidance on e-bikes as fire, EMS highlight safety awards and a major commercial fire saved by alarms

Lieutenant Helms reported May public-safety activity and said the department saw elevated security checks and slightly lower traffic stops in May; property crimes were trending as the largest category. On micro-mobility, Helms said the department is still seeking clarity on e-bike classification, helmet and age requirements and where devices are permitted; staff said they will share guidance when the legal framework is clearer.

“We're still navigating through some of the legalities of that,” Helms said about e-bikes and similar devices, and recommended posting local guidance when clarified so residents know where to ride safely.

Assistant Chief Wooten told the council the department achieved turnout and travel-time goals and won a North Carolina Department of Labor Gold Safety Award for cutting workplace injuries. He detailed a May 29 response to a commercial-building alarm caused by a water-heater fire; working alarms and a sprinkler system helped contain the incident in a concrete construction building with a high estimated property value. Wooten said the department’s early detection and system performance resulted in very limited property loss.

The council asked for clarity on mutual-aid arrangements and whether staffing changes in neighboring squads would affect Harrisburg; staff said they had contingency partnerships with neighboring departments and did not anticipate major impacts.

Staff encouraged caution for families and suggested outreach to parents about e-bike safety even before statute-level clarity emerges.