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Rochester Public Safety Forum Turns Spotlight on E-Bike Safety

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Friday, November 14th 2025 at 18:30 GMT by Press-Telegram

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E‑Bike Safety Takes Center Stage at Public Safety Forum

On November 14, 2025, the City of Rochester’s Public Safety Forum turned its spotlight on electric bicycles (e‑bikes), a rapidly growing mode of transportation that has sparked both excitement and concern across the region. The one‑day conference brought together city officials, law enforcement, transportation planners, health experts, and community advocates to examine the latest data on e‑bike incidents, evaluate current safety regulations, and propose a set of actionable measures to protect riders and pedestrians alike.

The Rising Tide of E‑Bike Usage

E‑bikes have become a staple of Rochester’s mobility ecosystem, especially after the city’s recent “Bike‑Friendly” initiative encouraged residents to swap cars for powered cycles. According to a 2025 survey by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), e‑bike registrations in Monroe County increased by 68 % since 2020. The NYSDOT’s e‑bike dashboard—link provided in the forum’s opening remarks—shows that over 12,000 e‑bikes are now active on the county’s 400 mile network of shared bike lanes and streets.

While the surge in ridership translates to lower emissions and less traffic congestion, it has also coincided with a jump in e‑bike‑related injuries. The Rochester Police Department’s Injury Surveillance System reports a 41 % increase in e‑bike injuries from 2023 to 2024, with the majority of incidents involving collisions at intersections or with motor vehicles. In several of those cases, riders were found to be riding at speeds exceeding 20 mph, the legal limit for e‑bikes on public roads.

Legal and Regulatory Landscape

At the forum, municipal lawyer Laura Hernandez outlined the existing framework governing e‑bikes in New York State. Key points included:

• Speed Restrictions: E‑bikes must not exceed 20 mph on roads and 28 mph in designated bike lanes.
• Power Limits: The motor must provide no more than 750 watts of continuous power.
• Helmet Requirements: Riders under 18 are required to wear a helmet; adults are encouraged but not mandated.

Despite these regulations, enforcement has been uneven. Police officers reported that only 23 % of surveyed e‑bikers were wearing helmets, and less than 12 % adhered to the speed limit. Hernandez cited NYSDOT’s 2024 “E‑Bike Safety Report” (link embedded in the forum’s resource deck) which emphasizes the need for stricter penalties and increased public education.

Safety Concerns Highlighted by Experts

The forum featured several presentations that dug into the root causes of e‑bike accidents:

• Roadway Design: Transportation engineer Mark Rivera noted that many of Rochester’s intersections lack dedicated e‑bike signal phases, forcing riders to cross at the same time as motor vehicles. Rivera proposed the installation of “E‑Bike‑Only” green phases at high‑traffic intersections.

• Lighting and Visibility: A lighting specialist from the Rochester Light and Power Department explained how low‑light conditions expose e‑bikers to greater risk. The department’s new “Bike‑Light Upgrade” pilot program—currently rolling out in three neighborhoods—includes reflective markers and smart streetlights that dim or brighten based on cyclist detection.

• Motor Misuse and Overpowering: A local mechanic from “Cycle Tech Repair” warned of the trend of “over‑boosting” e‑bike motors, where users install aftermarket high‑power kits that violate the 750‑watt limit. Such modifications can drastically reduce control and increase crash severity.

• Rider Education: Public health nurse Dr. Emily Carter emphasized that many e‑bike riders lack formal training. She cited a 2025 study from the Rochester Public Health Department that found only 18 % of e‑bike riders had ever taken a safety course. Dr. Carter urged the city to partner with community colleges and local bike shops to offer free or low‑cost training.

Community Voices and Advocacy

The forum also highlighted community‑led initiatives that aim to bridge the safety gap:

• The Rochester E‑Bike Coalition (REBC): A volunteer group that has organized monthly “Ride‑Safe” workshops, including tutorials on proper braking, lane positioning, and helmet use. The coalition’s website (link provided) showcases a catalog of upcoming events and a resource library with downloadable safety checklists.

• Neighborhood Watch Groups: Several neighborhood associations expressed concern about increasing e‑bike traffic near schools. They called for clearer signage, “no‑e‑bike” zones during school hours, and collaborative mapping of safe routes for students.

Action Plan and Next Steps

Based on the forum’s discussions, the City Council approved an “E‑Bike Safety Action Plan” that outlines several key initiatives:

1. Infrastructure Enhancements
   Install dedicated e‑bike signal phases at 12 major intersections.
   Expand protected bike lanes to include a 12‑mile “Greenway” corridor connecting downtown to the university campus.

2. Policy and Enforcement
   Introduce a fine of $250 for e‑bikes exceeding the 20 mph limit.
   Conduct quarterly inspections at popular e‑bike parks to verify power compliance.

3. Education and Outreach
   Launch a citywide “Know Your Limits” campaign featuring posters, online videos, and a mobile app that alerts riders of speed and distance traveled.
   Partner with the Rochester College to integrate e‑bike safety modules into the first‑year orientation program.

4. Research and Data Collection
   Expand the Injury Surveillance System to capture e‑bike‑specific data, including helmet use, riding environment, and weather conditions.
   Fund a pilot study with the Rochester School of Public Health to evaluate the impact of educational interventions on rider behavior.

5. Community Collaboration
   * Create a citizen advisory board composed of e‑bike riders, parents, law‑enforcement officials, and transportation planners to provide ongoing feedback on policy implementation.

Closing Thoughts

The Public Safety Forum’s e‑bike safety session underscored that while e‑bikes offer tangible benefits in terms of sustainability and accessibility, their rapid adoption has outpaced existing safety infrastructure and regulatory oversight. By weaving together data-driven insights, community advocacy, and municipal resources, Rochester is charting a proactive path toward safer streets for all.

City officials expressed optimism that the upcoming action plan would set a benchmark for other urban centers grappling with similar challenges. As Dr. Carter remarked in her closing statement, “Safety is not a product we can buy; it’s a collective commitment we must uphold every day.” With coordinated efforts, Rochester hopes to strike that delicate balance between empowering its residents to ride freely and ensuring their safety on the road.