Bike Legal-Lawyers for Injured Cyclists

10/20/2026

10/15/2026

REMEMBERING JAMESON HENDRIX-A COMMUNITY GRIEVES AND SEEKS ANSWERS

At a Turlock intersection, flowers, balloons, and signs reading “LLJ”—Long Live Jameson—honor a boy whose family and friends are mourning a future cut short.

Jameson Hendrix, 14, a Turlock High School freshman, died October 10 after a collision involving an electric motorcycle and a vehicle near Tokay Avenue and Old Vineyard Road. Police responded around 5:30 p.m. Despite lifesaving efforts, Jameson died at the scene.

His family remembers him as a loving son, brother, and grandson. As tributes grow, those memories remind us of what is at the heart of this story: a child who was loved and a community grieving alongside his family.

WHERE THE INVESTIGATION STANDS
Turlock Police’s Major Accident Investigation Team is handling the case. According to police:
• The driver remained at the scene and cooperated.
• Drugs or alcohol were not suspected factors.
• The circumstances leading to the collision remain under investigation.
As of October 15, we found no published determination of the crash’s cause or fault. A driver remaining at the scene, or the absence of suspected impairment, does not, by itself, explain how a collision happened.

WHY THE DETAILS MATTER
Police described Jameson’s vehicle as an electric motorcycle, or “e-moto.” Reporting should preserve that distinction rather than assume it was a conventional bicycle or e-bike. The vehicle’s description alone does not establish responsibility.

WITNESSES CAN HELP
If you witnessed the collision or have information that could assist investigators, contact Officer Allison at the Turlock Police Department at (209) 664-7398.

Photo and video courtesy of: CBS News Sacramento

10/13/2026

FIVE CYCLISTS WHO CHANGED THE SPORT

Greatness isn’t frozen in time. From Eddy Merckx’s enduring legacy to today’s champions’ latest victories, these five riders keep cycling fans talking.

Tadej Pogačar added a fifth Tour de France title in July 2026, joining the race’s exclusive club. He then took three stage wins at the Vuelta a España, most recently on Stage 6 on August 27. A crash on Stage 8 ended his Vuelta, leaving the race without its overall leader.

Eddy Merckx remains the benchmark. The retired Belgian’s five Tour titles, five Giro victories and 19 Monument wins still frame debates about cycling greatness. Nicknamed “The Cannibal,” he built a legacy through relentless ambition across stage races and one-day classics.

Jonas Vingegaard completed his Grand Tour collection by winning the 2026 Giro d’Italia, adding to his 2022 and 2023 Tour titles and 2025 Vuelta victory. He also won five superb Giro stages but later crashed out of the Tour de France; his recovery kept him out of the Vuelta.

Wout van Aert brought his versatility to the 2026 Vuelta, winning two stages and the points classification. After his Paris-Roubaix victory earlier this year, the Belgian added another reminder that his talent reaches across cobbles, climbs and fast finishes.

Remco Evenepoel won the European road title on October 4, 2026, following his fourth consecutive world time trial crown in September. The Belgian continues to combine precision against the clock with the racing instincts needed to beat rivals head-to-head.

Different eras, different strengths, but the same ability to make fans watch every move. Their victories give the next generation plenty to chase.

Click the link in our bio to read more about how these and other cyclists changed the sport.

Who is your favorite cyclist?

10/12/2026

SAN DIEGO E-BIKE TICKETS START TODAY: WHO PAYS?

A $25 ticket. A much bigger safety debate. Know your bike before riding it.

Today, Oct. 12, 2026, San Diego’s 60-day warning period ends and citations can begin. The ordinance took effect Aug. 13; today marks the shift to enforcement, not a countywide ban.

Children under 12 cannot operate Class 1 or 2 e-bikes on city public roads and paths. Class 3 already requires riders to be 16+. Helmet and passenger rules also apply.

THE COST: The city lists a $25 fine, with parents/guardians sharing liability. An approved free online safety course completed within 120 days can replace the fine; submit proof as your citation directs. Riding illegal off-highway e-motorcycles on streets can result in separate citations and impoundment.

WHY NOW? Officials cite rising serious childhood injuries. County records report Rady Children’s e-bike trauma cases rose from 3 in 2021 to 262 in 2025. A school parking survey cited by the county found nearly 88% of electric devices surveyed were illegal e-motorcycles. That’s a surveyed sample, not 88% of all e-bikes. Injury data do not consistently separate the two.

FIGHTING A TICKET? Follow its deadline and instructions. For a court citation, plead not guilty and request a trial; ask whether a written declaration is available. Save photos, bike specifications, and proof of age. Taking the safety course is an alternative to the fine, not a finding that the ticket was wrong.

LEGAL WATCH: Whitman v. Super73 alleges bikes were deceptively sold as legal e-bikes despite app-enabled higher speeds. These are allegations, not findings.

Video courtesy of: CBS 8-San Diego



Poll Question: What would best protect young riders?

10/08/2026

TOO YOUNG TO RIDE? ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH’S NEW E-BIKE RULE CHANGES THE SCHOOL COMMUTE

As children’s e-bike use grows, communities in California and nationwide face questions about age limits, enforcement, parental accountability, and preventing crashes, serious injuries and deaths.

St. Augustine Beach, Florida, adopted Ordinance 26-06 on September 8, 2026, setting a minimum operating age of 12 on city roads, sidewalks, bike lanes, bike paths, rights-of-way and other city-owned property.

For fifth- and sixth-grade families, e-bike school commutes now depend on age. Students under 12 need another option on these routes—even if classmates are 12. Options include traditional bikes, walking, eligible school-bus service or carpools. These are potential impacts; published reporting has not established how many students are affected.

THE RULES
• Riders and passengers under 16 must wear properly fitted, fastened helmets.
• Passengers are allowed only on e-bikes designed and equipped for them.
• Yield to pedestrians, slow when passing and give an audible signal.
• Slow to pedestrian speed in school zones with flashing lights and within 50 feet of marked crosswalks or intersection corners.
• Obey traffic laws. Electric dirt bikes and off-road e-motorcycles are prohibited in the city’s public spaces.

ENFORCEMENT
Police Chief Daniel Carswell says education comes first, but warnings are not guaranteed. Penalties start at a written warning or $100, rise to $150 for a second offense and $200 for a third or subsequent offense. Devices may be impounded.

PARENT ACCOUNTABILITY
Parents or legal guardians may not knowingly allow a child under 16 to violate the ordinance’s helmet requirement. Parents can face enforcement for their own violation; a child’s ticket does not automatically become a parent’s ticket.

Photo courtesy of: WalkBikeToSchool.org



Poll question: Should your community set a minimum age for riding an e-bike?

10/06/2026

HE SPENT YEARS ASKING FOR SAFER STREETS.. THEN HE WAS KILLED ON ONE.

Louis Michael “Mike” Ryan was riding his bicycle on Gray Highway in Jones County, Georgia, on December 22, 2025, when a driver struck him from behind, according to reporting on the sheriff’s crash report.

Mike walked and biked through the community he worked to protect. As a charter member of the Macon-Bibb County Pedestrian Safety Review Board, he helped keep the needs of people outside cars in public conversation.

Created by county ordinance in 2015, the board’s work has included safety summits, mapping dangerous locations, public education campaigns, and Open Streets events. Its mission: finding ways to make county roads safer for pedestrians. Board representatives also helped develop Macon-Bibb’s Vision Zero action plan.

On October 1, 2026, that work became deeply personal at the community’s Pedestrian Safety Summit. Mayor Lester Miller honored Mike with a proclamation and the inaugural Louis Michael Ryan Pedestrian Safety Advocacy Award. His wife, Yukiko, accepted the tribute.

Her appeal was simple: “Please make roads safer for pedestrians and bicyclists.”

What has changed since his death?

The award recognizes his legacy, and officials say an update to the county’s Vision Zero policy is coming, with a goal of zero road deaths by 2040. But as of October 6, no legislation enacted. The board and Vision Zero efforts predate his death.

Honoring Mike means continuing the work he cared so much about: asking for safer crossings, connected places to walk and ride, and road designs that account for human mistakes.

GET INVOLVED: Attend a local safety meeting. Report a dangerous location. Ask elected officials what improvements are funded and when they will happen.

Video courtesy of: Center for Collaborative Journalism



Poll question: Which roads in your community need urgent attention?

10/02/2026

CALIFORNIA’S NEW E-BIKE LAW: WHAT EVERY BUYER SHOULD KNOW

California just signed SB 1167, and it’s a timely reminder for Southern California riders and parents: check the specs before you buy.

Signed September 30, 2026, and taking effect January 1, 2027, SB 1167 strengthens consumer protections around how electric vehicles are marketed. It expands restrictions on selling nonqualifying vehicles as e-bikes and requires disclosures for certain electric motor vehicles.

START WITH THE BASICS
California e-bikes must have working pedals and a motor that does not exceed 750 watts.
Class 1: Pedal assistance cuts off at 20 mph.
Class 2: Motor assistance cuts off at 20 mph; throttle operation is allowed.
Class 3: Pedal assistance cuts off at 28 mph. Riders must be at least 16, and helmets are required for all ages.
Those are motor-assistance limits, not a promise that every road or trail allows those speeds. Local access rules still matter.

BEFORE YOU BUY, ASK:
What class is this vehicle?
What are its motor wattage and top assisted speed?
Can it exceed the limits through an app, switch or “unlock” setting?
Where can it legally be ridden?
What insurance coverage applies to this exact model?

Keep the product listing, receipt and manufacturer’s specifications. A low price or an “e-bike” label should never replace clear answers. Ask for written answers before paying a deposit.

For parents buying a first ride, this is a chance to talk about braking, visibility, helmets and sharing the road. For experienced cyclists it’s a useful reminder to check what a new bike can actually do.

Save this checklist for your next purchase and share it with a parent or riding buddy.



Poll question: What would help you feel confident buying an e-bike?

10/01/2026

READY TO RIDE? SAFETY STARTS BEFORE YOU PEDAL

No matter what kind of cyclist you are, make sure you’re ready to ride before you start pedaling.

Two easy reminders can help: ABC for your bike and 2/2/2 for your helmet. Here’s how they work:

CHECK YOUR ABCs

A = AIR
Check both tires for proper inflation with a pump and pressure gauge. Follow the recommended pressure for your setup, and look for cuts, damage, or excessive wear.

B = BRAKES
Test both brakes before rolling out. They should engage firmly and stop the wheels. Hand brake levers shouldn’t pull all the way to the handlebars. If something feels loose or isn’t stopping properly, get it fixed before riding.

C = CHAIN
Check that your chain is clean, lubricated, and moving smoothly. Look for rust or buildup, and check that the crank arms are secure. Skipping, sticking or unusual noises deserve attention.

Now check that your wheels are secure, then take a brief, slow test ride somewhere away from traffic.

REMEMBER 2/2/2
A helmet needs to fit properly to do its job. Buckle up and check these three spots:

2 fingers above your eyebrows:
Keep the helmet level and low on your forehead, about two finger widths above your eyebrows.

2 fingers forming a V:
Make a V around each ear with your fingers. Adjust the side straps to follow that shape, meeting just below your ears.

2 fingers under your chin:
Adjust the buckled chin strap so no more than two fingers fit underneath. It should feel snug and comfortable.
Your helmet should stay in place when you move your head. Follow its manufacturer’s fitting instructions, too.

Make this a habit before every ride, whether you’re commuting, meeting friends or helping your child get ready for a neighborhood adventure.

Save this checklist, share it with your riding buddy, and follow Bike Legal for more ways to ride prepared.

Video courtesy of: NHTSA

09/25/2026

CANBY E-SCOOTER TRAGEDY RAISES QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUNG RIDERS AND OREGON LAW

A 13-year-old girl has died after being struck while riding an e-scooter in Canby, Oregon—a case that is now raising questions about hit-and-run accountability and the laws governing young e-scooter riders.

At about 7:20 p.m. on September 23, the girl was riding an electric scooter in the bike lane near the 300 block of South Ivy Street when a white cargo/Sprinter-style van struck her. The driver allegedly continued south without stopping.

The teenager was airlifted to Randall Children’s Hospital, where she later died. Her family has requested that her name remain private.

Police located the van and arrested 31-year-old Cody Churchwell hours later. He was booked on charges including second-degree manslaughter, failure to perform the duties of a driver, reckless driving and reckless endangering. Churchwell pleaded not guilty Thursday, and the investigation remains ongoing.

There is another important element to this case: Oregon’s e-scooter laws.
Under Oregon law currently in effect, a person must be at least 16 years old to operate a motor-assisted scooter, and the maximum operating speed is 15 mph. Riders must also wear approved protective headgear. When a bike lane or path is available alongside the roadway, e-scooter riders generally must use it—the 13-year-old was reportedly riding in the bike lane when she was struck.

Oregon has already passed HB 4007, which will lower the minimum e-scooter age to 14 and raise the maximum operating speed to 20 mph, but those changes won’t take effect until January 1, 2027. The new law also continues helmet protections for riders under 16.

Canby Police are asking anyone with additional information to reference case #26-018884.

Video courtesy of: FOX12-Oregon
Photo courtesy of: Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office

escooter

Poll question: What would make e-scooter riders safer: stricter rider rules or better protected infrastructure?

09/23/2026

15 YEARS OLD. 60 MPH. WHEN AN ‘E-BIKE’ ISN’T AN E-BIKE

A 15-year-old…electric motorcycle…a police pursuit reportedly reaching 60 mph.

On September 21, Oxnard Police say an officer spotted a group riding electric motorcycles recklessly at The Collection at RiverPark. When the officer attempted to stop one rider, police allege he failed to yield.

Police say the pursuit continued for roughly two miles, reaching speeds up to 60 mph before the officer lost sight of the motorcycle. Investigators later identified the rider as a 15-year-old Oxnard resident. He was arrested on suspicion of felony evading under California Vehicle Code §2800.2, and the electric motorcycle was impounded.

Because he is a juvenile, his identity has not been released. As of September 23, Oxnard Police have not announced a subsequent charging decision or juvenile-court disposition. An arrest is an allegation, not a conviction.

Oxnard Police specifically called it an “electric motorcycle”—not an e-bike. Police emphasized that a two-wheeled electric vehicle without operable pedals does not qualify as an electric bicycle under California law and may not be legal on public roads.

And this isn’t Oxnard’s first recent warning.

In July, investigators initially believed a seriously injured 24-year-old was riding an e-bike after a collision with a fire engine. After examining the vehicle, police said it did not qualify as a Class 1, 2 or 3 e-bike and was more appropriately classified as a “pocket bike.” That same month, police issued another warning after a Sur-Ron rider reportedly crashed while performing a wheelie in a parking lot.

Appearance doesn’t determine legal classification. Speed, equipment and motor capability can turn what someone casually calls an “e-bike” into an entirely different vehicle under the law. At 60 mph, the distinction isn’t just terminology. It can affect licensing, registration, where the vehicle can legally be ridden—and what happens when police attempt a traffic stop.

Photo courtesy of: Oxnard Police Department



Poll question: Should high-powered e-motos have stricter age restrictions?