Public commenter urges schools and police to step up e-bike safety education after recent incidents

A member of the public who identified himself after a request from staff warned the commission that e-bike crashes are a recurring problem and urged a coordinated education push.

"In the Fresno Bee of accidents involving electric cycles about once every 2 weeks... Last week's a kid from Fowler High School just died," the commenter said, describing repeated incidents and asking the city to engage school district curriculum staff, police and the Bicycle Coalition to introduce cycling-safety instruction.

The commenter recommended working with school administrators, SROs and promotoras to place safety material into existing elementary through high-school curricula and to run periodic instruction sessions. He said many riders display risky behaviors—riding against traffic, doing wheelies and surprising pedestrians—and argued earlier education could reduce dangerous conduct.

Commissioners later discussed law enforcement and education options. Commissioner Thomas reported that Merced Police Department is using school resource officers on multiuse paths during the summer and that traffic staff are exploring additional grant funding for bicycle education. Commissioner Ewing said the department has reached out to local bike shops to coordinate informational material and training.

The BPAC did not vote on specific educational measures at the meeting, but commissioners and staff agreed to discuss bicycle education and outreach in future agendas and to coordinate with Merced PD and community partners.