Bike Legal-Lawyers for Injured Cyclists, 17461 Derian Avenue, Suite 203, Irvine, CA (2026)

06/12/2026

California’s MTI e-bike safety study reveals why defining, categorizing, and regulating both e-bikes and higher-powered e-motos is so complex.

06/08/2026

FLORIDA AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATING FATAL SCOOTER CRASH THAT CLAIMED LIFE OF 7-YEAR-OLD BOY

A Florida family is grieving the loss of a 7-year-old boy who died days after being struck by a Tesla in a residential neighborhood west of Orlando. The tragic crash has drawn attention to the ongoing challenges of protecting children who use scooters, bicycles, and other small recreational devices near roadways.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred on the evening of May 28, 2026, on Cloudless Bliss Drive in Odessa, Florida. Investigators reported that a 45-year-old Riverview man was operating a Tesla Model 3 westbound when the vehicle collided with a 7-year-old boy riding a Razor Crazy Cart Shuffle seated scooter.

The child, who was from Lutz, suffered critical injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries on May 30, according to authorities.

Florida Highway Patrol investigators have stated that the Tesla was not operating in Autopilot mode at the time of the collision. Preliminary findings indicate that the driver did not see the child before the crash. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated fully with law enforcement.

The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have not announced any charges, and investigators continue to evaluate all factors that may have contributed to the crash. The child’s identity has not been released by law enforcement.

Transportation safety experts have long noted that children can be difficult for motorists to detect due to their size, unpredictable movements and the presence of parked vehicles.

Photo courtesy of: Florida Highway Patrol

Poll question: When driving through a neighborhood, what safety concern do you encounter most often?

06/05/2026

TENNESSEE RAISES CLASS 3 E-BIKE AGE LIMIT FROM 14 TO 16

Beginning July 1, 2026, Tennessee will implement a new electric bicycle law to address growing safety concerns involving higher-speed e-bikes and younger riders.
The new law raises the minimum age to operate a Class 3 e-bike on public streets and highways from 14 to 16.

Class 3 e-bikes are pedal-assist bicycles that provide assistance up to 28 mph, making them significantly faster than Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, which are limited to 20 mph. Tennessee lawmakers cited safety concerns surrounding inexperienced riders operating higher-speed e-bikes in traffic as a primary reason for the change.

The legislation also expands the authority of local governments and state agencies to regulate or restrict where Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes may operate when public safety concerns exist. Supporters argue that local communities are often best positioned to determine where electric bicycles can safely mix with pedestrians, traditional cyclists, and motor vehicle traffic.

The debate highlights a larger issue: infrastructure has not kept pace with the rapid growth of micromobility. Traditional bike lanes were largely designed for conventional bicycles traveling 10-15 mph. Today, riders on Class 3 e-bikes may be traveling nearly twice that speed while sharing the same space with recreational cyclists, children, pedestrians, and runners.

The new Tennessee law reflects a growing national trend. Across the country, lawmakers are responding to a sharp increase in e-bike use, particularly among teens. States including California, New York, Colorado, and Florida have considered or enacted legislation addressing rider age requirements, helmet use, equipment standards, registration proposals, and enforcement measures to reduce crashes involving e-bikes and electric motorcycles.

Photo courtesy of: Electricbike.com

Poll question: Do you support raising the minimum age to operate Class 3 e-bikes from 14 to 16?

06/03/2026

FONTANA TEEN ARRESTED AFTER MULTIPLE E-MOTORCYCLE POLICE CHASES

A 15-year-old Fontana boy has been arrested following a series of alleged reckless e-motorcycle incidents that have renewed concerns about minors operating high-powered electric motorcycles on public roads.

According to the Fontana Police Department, the investigation began during a May 21 enforcement operation targeting illegal e-motorcycle activity. Officers attempted to stop a rider who was allegedly operating an e-motorcycle unlawfully in the Hunter’s Ridge area. Instead of stopping, the rider fled, leading officers on a pursuit through the neighborhood.

Police said a department helicopter tracked the rider from the air while officers followed from the ground. The pursuit was eventually terminated when the rider entered a water-channel tunnel, raising safety concerns for pursuing officers.

Detectives later identified the rider as a 15-year-old juvenile who was allegedly involved in three additional reckless riding and evasion incidents in April and May. On May 28, investigators served a search warrant at a residence on La Sarre Drive and took the teen into custody without incident. The e-motorcycle was seized as evidence, and the juvenile was booked into San Bernardino County Juvenile Hall.

While no charges have been announced against the teen’s parents, authorities have increasingly warned that parents can face consequences for allowing minors to operate illegal or unlicensed vehicles. In Orange County, prosecutors have filed criminal charges against the mother of a 14-year-old e-motorcycle rider involved in the collision that ultimately claimed the life of 81-year-old Ed Ashman in Lake Forest. The case remains pending and has become one of California’s most closely watched examples of parental accountability related to illegal e-motorcycle use.

Video: courtesy of KTLA

Poll Question:
What is the best way to reduce illegal e-motorcycle riding by minors?

06/01/2026

WHO KILLED THIS CYCLIST? OXNARD POLICE SEARCH FOR HIT-AND-RUN DRIVER

A fatal hit-and-run collision in Oxnard has left one cyclist dead, and investigators are searching for the driver responsible.

According to the Oxnard Police Department, officers responded to reports of a traffic collision involving a bicyclist at approximately 4:03 p.m. on Saturday, May 30, 2026. The crash occurred on Fifth Street east of Harbor Boulevard. When first responders arrived, they found a 53-year-old Oxnard man suffering from fatal injuries near the roadway. His bicycle had sustained significant damage, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Preliminary findings indicate the cyclist was traveling eastbound on Fifth Street when he was struck from behind by a vehicle traveling in the same direction. The force of the collision threw the rider from his bicycle and onto the shoulder of the road. The driver did not stop and fled before emergency personnel arrived.

Investigators have not yet released a description of the vehicle involved, and authorities continue working to identify both the driver and the circumstances that led to the collision. The victim’s name has not been released pending notification of family members.

Hit-and-run crashes remain a serious concern for cyclists throughout California. Unlike vehicle occupants, bicyclists have little protection in a collision, making even a single impact potentially catastrophic. When a driver leaves the scene, critical evidence can be lost, and investigators are often forced to rely heavily on witnesses, surveillance footage, and public assistance to identify the responsible parties.

The Oxnard Police Department is asking anyone who witnessed the collision or has dashcam or surveillance footage from the area around the time of the crash to come forward. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Traffic Officer Joseph Clarke at (805) 385-7749 or (805) 200-5668, or by email at [email protected].

Photo courtesy of: Ventura County Star

05/28/2026

SANTA ANA E-BIKE FATALITY HIGHLIGHTS GROWING SUMMER SAFETY CONCERNS

The Santa Ana Police Department recently released details regarding a serious e-bike collision that occurred on May 23, 2026, and later claimed the life of 55-year-old Rey Flores.

According to investigators, the collision happened near Chestnut Avenue and Cypress Avenue at approximately 9:35 p.m. Police said Flores was riding westbound on an e-bike when he was struck by a southbound vehicle. The driver reportedly remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Authorities stated impairment did not appear to be a factor, while the investigation remains ongoing.

The tragic collision comes as Southern California prepares for increased outdoor activity during the summer months. Warmer weather, longer daylight hours, school breaks, and rising fuel costs traditionally bring more cyclists, e-bike riders, pedestrians, and recreational users onto local roads.

As traffic volumes increase, safety advocates continue to remind motorists and cyclists that everyone shares responsibility for roadway safety. Drivers should remain alert for cyclists at intersections, while turning, and when entering or exiting driveways. Speed, distraction, and failure to yield continue to play major roles in crashes involving vulnerable road users.

Cyclists and e-bike riders also have a responsibility to obey traffic laws, use proper lighting at night, remain visible, and ride predictably around traffic. Riders should avoid distractions, wear helmets, and use caution in congested areas and intersections.
Because cyclists have little physical protection during impact, collisions involving bicycles and e-bikes often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.

Anyone with information regarding the collision is encouraged to contact Corporal M. Pardo at 714-245-8208 or the Santa Ana Police Department’s Collision Investigation Unit at 714-245-8200.

Photos courtesy of:

05/27/2026

CYCLING FATALITIES HIT HIGHEST LEVEL IN DECADES — CAN SAFER STREETS AND NEW TECHNOLOGY SAVE LIVES?

The latest federal traffic safety data reveals a troubling reality for cyclists across the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 1,166 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes in 2023 — the highest number recorded in more than 40 years, and 50,000 cyclists were injured nationwide. Preliminary NHTSA-related numbers for 2024 indicate 1,103 bicyclists killed and approximately 52,887 injured.

Safety advocates say the numbers reflect a growing crisis involving speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, unsafe infrastructure, and the continued vulnerability of people riding bikes on American roads. Many fatal crashes occur in urban areas, often outside intersections and during low-light conditions. Larger vehicles such as SUVs and trucks continue to be disproportionately involved in deadly bicycle collisions, fueling calls for roadway reform and improved vehicle safety technology.

Organizations including The White Line Foundation, PeopleForBikes, League of American Bicyclists, and Vision Zero advocates are pushing for stronger protections for vulnerable road users through safer infrastructure, education, enforcement, and federal legislation.

One major focus is H.R. 7353 — the “Magnus White and Safe Streets for Everyone Act of 2026,” named after 17-year-old elite cyclist Magnus White, who was tragically killed by a driver while training in Colorado in 2023. The proposed legislation would require all new passenger vehicles sold in the United States to include Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) systems capable of detecting bicyclists, pedestrians, motorcyclists, wheelchair users, and other vulnerable road users. The bill advanced through a House subcommittee—a significant step forward in the effort to modernize vehicle safety standards nationwide.

Advocates argue these deaths are preventable.

Photos courtesy of: League of American Bicyclists and .foundation

Video courtesy of: .foundation

Poll Question:
What would make the biggest difference in reducing cyclist fatalities?

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. 🇺🇸

Today, we remember their courage, reflect on their service, and express our deepest gratitude to the heroes who will never be forgotten.

Land of the free because of the brave.

05/22/2026

COLORADO TAKES A BIG STEP FOR CYCLIST SAFETY

Cyclists across Colorado now have stronger legal protection on the road after Governor Jared Polis signed House Bill 26-1237 into law, officially making it illegal statewide for drivers to stop, stand, or park in designated bike lanes.

For many riders, blocked bike lanes are more than an inconvenience — they can force cyclists into live traffic, increasing the risk of serious crashes. Safety advocates have long argued that bike lanes only work when they remain clear and usable, and this new law aims to reinforce exactly that.

The legislation is part of a broader transportation safety package designed to improve conditions for vulnerable road users throughout Colorado. In addition to prohibiting vehicles from obstructing bike lanes, the bill also updates legal language by replacing the term “accident” with “crash” or “incident,” reflecting the growing recognition that many roadway collisions are preventable.

Cyclists and advocacy groups have praised the law as a meaningful step toward safer streets and greater accountability. Supporters believe clear bike lanes can help reduce dangerous merge situations, close-pass incidents, and conflicts between motorists and cyclists in busy urban corridors.

As more cities across the United States invest in cycling infrastructure, Colorado’s new law sends a strong message: bike lanes are not loading zones, parking spots, or waiting areas — they are designated safety spaces intended to protect people riding bicycles. Santa Monica became one of the first cities in California — and reportedly the first in the U.S. to use AI-equipped parking enforcement vehicles citywide to actively enforce bike lane violations.

Enforcement and public awareness will likely play a major role in determining the law’s effectiveness. Many riders say the next challenge will be ensuring drivers understand that even “just a quick stop” in a bike lane can create a hazardous situation for cyclists traveling at speed.

Photo courtesy of: Cycling Advocate MoVal ()

What do you think?
Should blocking a bike lane carry the same seriousness as blocking a traffic lane for cars?

05/21/2026

CHP ASKING FOR THE PUBLIC’S HELP FINDING A WHITE TRUCK AFTER A HIT-AND-RUN CRASH WITH A CYCLIST IN SANTA BARBARA

The California Highway Patrol is searching for the driver of a white pickup truck believed to be involved in a hit-and-run crash that seriously injured a cyclist Tuesday morning in Santa Barbara.

According to reports, the collision occurred around 9:24 a.m. on Modoc Road near Via Senda. Emergency crews responded after receiving reports that a bicyclist had been struck by a vehicle. Investigators say the suspect vehicle was described as a white pickup truck towing a black trailer.

Witnesses at the scene told reporters the truck was making a right turn when it reportedly ran over the cyclist’s leg. The driver allegedly returned to the scene briefly but then left again without providing identification or insurance information, prompting CHP to issue a “be on the lookout” alert for the vehicle.

The injured cyclist was transported to Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital with reported leg injuries. As for the latest updates, authorities have not released additional information regarding the cyclist’s condition or whether the driver has been identified.

Hit-and-run crashes involving cyclists continue to raise serious concerns across California, where vulnerable road users often suffer devastating injuries when drivers fail to remain at the scene and comply with the law. Under California law, drivers involved in injury collisions are required to stop, provide information, and render reasonable assistance.

Anyone with information regarding the white pickup truck or the collision is urged to contact the California Highway Patrol’s Santa Barbara Area Office. Witnesses may also contact CHP dispatch or local law enforcement if they observed the vehicle leaving the area.

News story courtesy of: Noozhawk
and

Photos courtesy of: CHP and Noozhawk

Do you believe penalties for hit and run crashes involving cyclists should be increased in California?

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