JACKSON, Wyo. —Teton County School District will hold a voluntary e-bike education program on Friday, June 4 at 10 a.m. at the Jackson Hole Middle School.
Over the past several years e-bikes have been increasing in popularity across the valley, and for good reason, e-biking can be faster and more convenient than traditional biking. Whether commuting to school or work, running errands or going on a scenic ride, e-bikes are all over the valley’s bike path.
Recently, safety concerns have been raised at the Middle School, with students traveling to and from school on e-bikes using the community pathways.
Charlotte Reynolds, Communications Coordinator for Teton County School District explained that middle school students are old enough to be out on their bikes unsupervised but with e-bikes reaching speeds in the excess of 20 mph, safety concerns have arisen.
The one-hour program will include a classroom component as well as hands-on demonstrations and activities outside on bikes. According to Reynolds the officers from the Jackson Police Department will go over the bike laws on the pathways and the roads, review hand signs, demo proper helmet wearing and safe riding. The students will also discuss what not to do while biking and using the pathways.
‘The target audience is middle school and upper elementary school students,” said Reynolds.
The Middle School also recently sent out a message to parents and students asking students to walk their bikes when they arrive at school to combat the possibility of accidents in crowded areas.
The school is taking a proactive approach by providing this educational experience. “At this point, I am not aware of any discussion to ban e-bikes on school property,” said Reynolds.
Reynolds estimated that about 100 middle school students bike to school with about 30 to 40 students riding e-bikes.
