The traffic safety law that entails the return of helmets for the young is set to come into effect on October 1, as per the initiative to enforce stricter rules for electric bike riders. Since e-bikes have been becoming increasingly popular, particularly with adults and teens, the state is working to deal with concerns pertaining to road safety while reducing the rate of crashes and fatal injuries in the state. A fine of $90 will be issued to those who are non-compliant.
The increase in e-bikes’ popularity has caused new rules to come into effect
As per the updated regulations, all motorcyclists of motor-driven cycles who are under the age of 20 will be expected to wear a helmet. The new rule expands on the previous rule that required only those cyclists under the age of 17 to wear helmets. A $90 penalty fee will be in place, and all police officers are meant to be strict with law enforcement at traffic stops.
The reason such a law is coming into effect more strictly is that within the state, 22 motorcycle-related deaths have been reported this year alone. While the number of deaths has dropped considerably from the state’s five-year average of 32, the number of accidents is still rather significant. From the data, younger riders and those with less riding experience were mentioned to be mainly at risk.
According to Eric Jackson, a transport safety researcher, there are more police officers now at traffic stops to pick up any risks to safety on the roads.
Safety measures in place for e-bikes and youth e-bike riders
The biggest change in terms of implementation of the new law deals is that of electric bicycles, which are becoming more popular on the state’s roads more especially among the youth. As of October 1, young riders will have to wear a helmet every time they drive on their e-bikes. Since e-bikes are being driven on the state’s roads, the youth will have to adhere to the law.
From October 1, all these e-bike riders under 21 are expected to wear helmets throughout the state. This is more necessary since most injuries are being reflected in teenagers who attempt to operate or ride on these bikes without wearing any safety gear.
What are the other considerations relating to this helmet law?
The helmet rule is said to apply to e-bikes, but it extends to electric scooters, skateboards, and roller skates, and everyone under 21 must see that helmets are being worn. Measures in place to curb the youth from not wearing helmets are verbal warnings being issued to parents, should young riders be found guilty of not wearing a helmet.
Additionally, all high-powered e-bikes are now being regulated under the new law, which also includes rules such as:
- E-bikes with batteries over 3,500 watts have to be registered and insured, similar to motorcycles.
- Riders of such e-bikes will be expected to produce a valid driver’s license.
- Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes, all those mostly sold by leading brands like Trek Bicycle, will not be impacted by the licensing or registration changes.
The legislation is in alignment with the trend to reconsider the classification as well as the regulation of e-bikes. Many models can exceed speeds of 30 miles per hour; however, lawmakers in the state have decided to distinguish between casual pedal-assist bikes and the more forceful machines, such as motorcycles. There has, however, been bad news for e-bike users in another state as well, with everything changing from April.
A shift in regulation symbolizing that the state is keeping up with technological advances
According to the official statement from the Connecticut House Democrats, the law, which is being implemented on October 1 in Connecticut, is putting road safety at the forefront while realizing that youth behavior on the roads can pose a threat to road safety. Since e-bikes are clearly here for the long run, the laws must match the times. All those under 21 will have to adhere to the law. While Connecticut is setting helmet laws, New York is placing limits on e-bikes set to shock drivers.
