The Los Gatos Youth Commission's Traffic Safety Ad Hoc has provided four guidelines to follow to ensure the safety of all vehicles, bikers, and pedestrians in Los Gatos:
- Adhere to all laws: Know the difference between e-bike classifications and their unique regulations. Do not carry passengers on your bike without an extra seat. It is illegal to drive your e-bike on sidewalks. Wear a helmet if you are under 17.
- Know the risk: Because of the size and power of an e-bike, injuries tend to be more severe. There were 225 e-bike injuries, in California in 2022, 4 of which were fatal. Acting responsibly and carefully with an e-bike protects you and those around you.
- Find the right bike: Consider your use of a bike - is it for recreation, exercising or a commute? Where will it drive? An e-bike has great power and more capabilities than a bike, but this comes with greater danger, expense, and responsibility.
- Follow the rules of the road: Follow all the same lights/signs as cars. Never weave in and out of traffic. Always use the bike lane - if none is present, match the speed and flow of traffic.
For more information, visit the Town’s E-Bike Webpage.