Dr. Laura Bishop
Assemblymember Damon Connolly (D-San Rafael) has put forward Assembly Bill 1778, a crucial legislative proposal that allows Marin County and its cities to establish a pilot program aimed at prohibiting individuals under the age of 16 from operating class 2 electric-assist bicycles. While e-bikes are an environmentally friendly mode of transportation, their increasing usage has presented inherent risks to individuals, especially our youth, due to inadequate education and training on their proper usage.
As experts in trauma surgery at MarinHealth Medical Center, we fully endorse this legislation as we witness a surge in serious injuries and fatalities resulting from e-bike crashes. The injuries sustained by these riders resemble those of motorcycle crash victims rather than pedal-bike crash victims. A recent case involved a young rider who suffered a life-threatening head injury while traveling at approximately 20 mph on an e-bike. Thanks to the prompt medical care provided by our Trauma Center team and the skill of neurosurgeon Dr. Blake Taylor, the patient’s life was saved.
This near-fatal incident served as a catalyst for the introduction of AB 1778, which has garnered support from various organizations including the San Francisco Marin Medical Society, the Marin County Bicycle Coalition, the California Medical Association, and the American Automobile Association. MarinHealth Medical Center CEO Dr. David Klein has also expressed his support on behalf of the Marin Healthcare District Board of Directors.
Presently, existing law permits children under the age of 16 to operate class 2 e-bikes, which have the potential to reach speeds of 20 mph. This has inevitably contributed to a rise in severe injuries and fatalities. AB 1778 seeks to align youth restrictions for class 2 e-bikes with those already in place for class 3 e-bikes, which will significantly enhance safety measures for young riders.
Similar concerns have been raised by trauma surgeons across the country and internationally. Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco reported a notable increase in e-bike riders sustaining head trauma over the past five years. Insufficient safety regulations, such as the lack of mandatory helmet usage, speed limits, and age restrictions, have played a role in this emerging public health concern.
We are pleased to share that AB 1778 has passed and is now moving to the state Senate. Furthermore, the Marin County Civil Grand Jury has recommended the implementation of rules across the county and its municipalities that limit the use of class 2 e-bikes to individuals aged 16 and older, along with mandatory helmet requirements for all class 2 e-bike operators.
We dedicate these safety measures to our young patient, whose story has been instrumental in shaping this legislation. By implementing these regulations, we hope to create a safer environment for youth e-bike riders, preventing further injuries and ultimately saving lives.
The electric bicycle industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, with the demand for electric-assist bicycles (e-bikes) rising steadily. E-bikes are considered to be an environmentally friendly mode of transportation, offering a convenient and efficient alternative to traditional bicycles or motor vehicles. However, this surge in e-bike usage has raised concerns about safety, particularly among young riders.
Assembly Bill 1778, proposed by Assemblymember Damon Connolly, aims to address these concerns by establishing a pilot program in Marin County and its cities. This program would prohibit individuals under the age of 16 from operating class 2 e-bikes, which are capable of reaching speeds of up to 20 mph. The goal is to enhance safety measures for young riders, as inadequate education and training on the proper usage of e-bikes have resulted in serious injuries and fatalities.
Trauma surgeons at MarinHealth Medical Center have witnessed a rise in severe injuries and fatalities resulting from e-bike crashes, with the injuries sustained by these riders resembling those of motorcycle crash victims rather than pedal-bike crash victims. The urgent need for legislation was underscored by a recent case involving a young rider who suffered a life-threatening head injury while traveling at approximately 20 mph on an e-bike. Prompt medical care and the skill of the medical team saved the patient’s life, but it highlighted the risks associated with inadequate safety measures.
The proposed legislation has gained support from various organizations, including the San Francisco Marin Medical Society, the Marin County Bicycle Coalition, the California Medical Association, and the American Automobile Association. The CEO of MarinHealth Medical Center and the Marin Healthcare District Board of Directors have also expressed their support for AB 1778.
Similar concerns about e-bike safety have been raised by trauma surgeons across the country and internationally. Research conducted by the University of California, San Francisco indicates a notable increase in e-bike riders sustaining head trauma over the past five years. The lack of sufficient safety regulations, such as mandatory helmet usage, speed limits, and age restrictions, has contributed to this emerging public health concern.
The progress of AB 1778 is promising, as it has passed and is now moving to the state Senate. Additionally, the Marin County Civil Grand Jury has recommended the implementation of rules across the county and its municipalities that limit the use of class 2 e-bikes to individuals aged 16 and older, along with mandatory helmet requirements for all class 2 e-bike operators.
The implementation of these regulations is aimed at creating a safer environment for youth e-bike riders, preventing further injuries, and ultimately saving lives. The dedication of these safety measures to the young patient who suffered a near-fatal head injury on an e-bike has played a crucial role in shaping this legislation.
To learn more about the electric bicycle industry and emerging safety concerns, you can visit the websites of relevant organizations such as the San Francisco Marin Medical Society, the Marin County Bicycle Coalition, the California Medical Association, and the American Automobile Association.
