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Sheriff's office urges ebike safety and caution near busy road-construction zones
Summary
Chief Deputy Quinton Ellis advised residents to wear helmets, observe ebike rules under Wisconsin law, and slow down in construction zones — especially around Pittsville — where detours and shifting routes require extra travel time and attention to posted signs.
Chief Deputy Quinton Ellis told WFHR listeners that rising ebike use and a busy road-construction season have prompted safety reminders: wear helmets, operate ebikes responsibly, and slow down and obey work-zone signs.
Ellis said technology often outpaces legislation and the department posted guidance explaining different ebike classes and what is legal. "For us it's more about being safe," he said, urging riders to wear proper safety gear and to avoid high speeds in family and park areas. He said the department will work with the parks director and county board to address safety concerns in county parks.
On road construction, Ellis said this appears to be one of the biggest summers for road work in his 26 years with the department and that motorists should allow extra travel time, particularly near Pittsville and anticipated work on Vesper and an area dubbed Eight Corners. He urged drivers to slow down in work zones, respect road-closed signs and understand that detour routing can change after crashes.
Ellis said the department will monitor major construction zones and staff closures as needed. "There are people making their livelihoods out there... they too want to go home to their families," he said, and asked motorists to be patient and give road crews space.
No new ordinances or enforcement policies were announced in the interview; Ellis framed the guidance as public-safety advice for the busy construction season.
