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

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?

05/19/2026

TRAGEDY IN SACRAMENTO COUNTY: TWO E-BIKE RIDERS KILLED AFTER SPEEDING TRUCK SLAMS INTO THEM-DRIVER ARRESTED IN SUSPECTED DUI CRASH

Two e-bike riders were tragically killed Monday night in Sacramento County after a speeding pickup truck reportedly lost control and slammed into them while they were stopped at a stop sign, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The deadly crash happened around 9:15 p.m. near Eagles Nest Road and Woodring Drive in the Mather area, just south of Mather Golf Course. Investigators say the two riders were stopped at the intersection when a Nissan Titan pickup traveling at an “extreme high rate of speed” lost control and struck both victims.

CHP officials stated that witnesses reported the riders were stationary at the stop sign when the truck veered off course and hit them. Both riders died from their injuries at the scene.

Authorities say the truck continued off the roadway and crashed through a fence. Two people inside the truck reportedly fled into nearby fields after the crash. One person was detained nearby, while another was later arrested at a residence on suspicion of felony hit-and-run involving death or serious injury.
Investigators also revealed that the victims and the truck’s occupants may have known each other. Witnesses told CHP the group had allegedly gathered earlier in nearby dirt fields, and alcohol is suspected to have played a role in the crash.

Two additional people were transported to the hospital with major and moderate injuries, though officials have not confirmed whether they were occupants of the truck or involved in another collision caused during the sequence of the crash. The identities and ages of the victims have not yet been publicly released as the investigation remains ongoing.

This crash reflects ongoing concerns regarding reckless driving, speeding, impaired driving, and the increasing number of serious crashes involving e-bikes and other vulnerable road users across California.
For continuing coverage and updates, please click on the link in our bio.

Photo courtesy of: KCRA News Sacramento.

05/19/2026

Orange County is cracking down on illegal e-motos after fatal teen crashes. Learn why parents may face criminal liability and how to distinguish e-motos from legal e-bikes.

05/18/2026

PASSED: SB26-072 HOLDING DANGEROUS DRIVERS ACCOUNTABLE

Colorado has taken a major step toward stronger roadway accountability with the passage of Senate Bill 26-072, a bipartisan measure that increases penalties for dangerous driving behaviors that result in serious injury or death. The bill passed the Colorado Senate with unanimous support before advancing through the legislature.

SB26-072 was introduced in response to growing concerns from families, cyclists, pedestrians, and traffic safety advocates who argued that Colorado law lacked meaningful accountability for negligent drivers. Under the previous law, some fatal crashes caused by distracted or careless driving could result in relatively minor misdemeanor charges.

The new legislation strengthens Colorado’s criminal statutes by clarifying that criminally negligent homicide can apply when a driver causes a death while operating a motor vehicle with criminal negligence. The bill also increases penalties for drivers who kill someone while using an electronic mobile device behind the wheel.

Several advocacy organizations played a major role in advancing the legislation. Bicycle Colorado was one of the most vocal supporters, organizing action alerts, legislative outreach, and public testimony in support of safer streets and stronger protections for vulnerable road users.
Advocacy groups and supporters involved in Colorado’s Safe Streets efforts included Bike Jeffco, The White Line Foundation, AAA Colorado, MADD Colorado, and the law enforcement community. Legislators include Senators John Carson and Marc Snyder, and Representatives Cecilia Espinoza and Bob Marshall.

For many families impacted by traffic violence, SB26-072 represents more than a legal update — it represents recognition that roadway deaths are preventable and that accountability matters.

Do you believe stronger criminal penalties for distracted and negligent drivers will help reduce cyclist and pedestrian fatalities?

Photo courtesy of: Bicycle Colorado

05/14/2026

OCDA UNVEILS AGGRESSIVE NEW UNIT TARGETING ILLEGAL E-BIKES AND E-MOTOS

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer has announced the launch of a new specialized prosecution unit to address the growing dangers posed by illegal high-speed e-bikes and e-motorcycles operated by juveniles across Southern California.
The initiative — RIDE SAFELY (Smart Accountability for e-bikes and e-motos and Law Enforcement for Youth) will proactively review criminal cases involving juveniles, adults, and parents who knowingly allow children to ride illegal e-motorcycles or unlawfully modified e-bikes.

Officials report children aged 11 to 14 have been involved in more than 60% of e-motorcycle crashes despite California law prohibiting riders under 16 from operating them.

The formation of the RIDE SAFELY unit follows several high-profile Orange County cases.

One of the most tragic involved 81-year-old Vietnam veteran Ed Ashman, who died after being struck in Lake Forest by a 14-year-old allegedly performing wheelies on an illegal e-motorcycle near El Toro High School. Prosecutors later charged the teen’s mother, Tammi Jo Mejer, with involuntary manslaughter and related offenses after alleging she had previously been warned about allowing her son to illegally operate the vehicle.
Another case involved a Yorba Linda father accused of modifying his 12-year-old son’s e-bike into a 60-mph e-motorcycle by removing speed restrictions and replacing the pedals with motorcycle pegs. The child later suffered catastrophic injuries after allegedly running a red light and crashing into a vehicle.
The recent death of a 13-year-old rider in Garden Grove after crashing an illegal e-motorcycle into a center median also intensified public concern surrounding these vehicles.

Spitzer stated that if parents refuse to hold their children accountable, prosecutors will hold parents accountable when they knowingly break the law.

Photos courtesy of: OC Register and OCDA Todd Spitzer

POLL QUESTION: Do you support criminal charges against parents who knowingly allow minors to illegally ride high-speed e-bikes and e-motorcycles?

05/13/2026

UPDATE: FIRST COURT APPEARANCE HELD IN FATAL ED ASHMAN E-MOTO CRASH

The case surrounding the tragic death of 81-year-old Vietnam veteran and beloved substitute teacher Ed Ashman continues drawing national attention as concerns grow over illegal high-powered e-motorcycles on California streets.

On Tuesday, Tommi Jo Mejer of Aliso Viejo made her first court appearance in Orange County after prosecutors charged her in connection with Ashman’s death. Prosecutors allege Mejer knowingly allowed her 14-year-old son to illegally operate a high-powered Surron Ultra Bee e-motorcycle before the teen allegedly struck Ashman while reportedly performing wheelies near El Toro High School in Lake Forest on April 16.
Ashman suffered catastrophic injuries and later died on April 30.

According to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Mejer faces charges including involuntary manslaughter, child endangerment, accessory after the fact, and additional misdemeanor allegations tied to allowing an unlicensed minor to operate the illegal vehicle. Prosecutors also allege she had previously been warned by law enforcement that the e-motorcycle was illegal for her son to ride on public streets.
Her arraignment was postponed during yesterday’s appearance. Her next court date is scheduled for June 30, 2026, in Newport Beach.

The case is becoming a flashpoint in California’s growing debate over illegal e-motorcycles and parental accountability. Officials say injuries involving e-bikes and e-motorcycles have surged dramatically in recent years, with multiple recent fatalities involving minors across Southern California.
In response to mounting pressure and public safety concerns, Amazon recently announced it will stop allowing sales of certain illegal high-speed e-motorcycles and non-compliant “e-bikes” in California that exceed state legal limits.

Court photo courtesy of: OC Register

POLL QUESTION: Should parents face criminal charges if they knowingly allow minors to illegally operate high-powered e-motorcycles?

05/11/2026

AMAZON STOPS SELLING ILLEGAL E-MOTOS AFTER WAVE OF FATAL CALIFORNIA CRASHES

Another tragic loss involving an illegal e-moto has rocked Orange County.

On Thursday night, a 13-year-old boy was killed in Garden Grove after reportedly losing control of an illegal electric motorcycle and crashing into a center median near Magnolia Street and Larson Avenue. Investigators say the off-road style e-moto was not street legal under California law.

Just weeks earlier, 13-year-old Angel Roman Mendoza Lopez was killed on April 17 after being struck by a vehicle while riding an electric scooter in Pomona. Reports indicate he suffered severe head injuries and was not wearing a helmet at the time of the collision.

The tragedy also follows the death of 81-year-old Vietnam veteran Ed Ashman, who died after being struck by a 14-year-old riding an illegal e-moto in Lake Forest. Prosecutors later filed charges against the teen’s mother, fueling debate about parental responsibility, enforcement, and the dangers of high-powered electric motorcycles being marketed as “e-bikes.”

California officials and safety advocates continue warning that many of these vehicles are NOT e-bikes, but illegal e-motorcycles.

Under California law:
• Class 1 & 2 e-bikes are limited to 20 mph
• Class 3 e-bikes are limited to 28 mph
• Faster vehicles are legally classified as mopeds or motorcycles requiring licensing, registration, and age restrictions.

Following multiple deadly crashes and mounting pressure from state officials, Amazon recently announced it will stop selling certain high-speed “e-bikes” in California that exceed state limits. Investigations found some online listings advertised speeds exceeding 40 mph while still being marketed as e-bikes.

What is your opinion - what will bring about effective change?

Photos courtesy of: The OC Register and OC District Attorney Todd Spitzer

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