Why E-Bike Speed Limits Are Capped at 15 MPH and Kids Need a License

🚦 Why the 15 MPH Speed Cap Matters

1. Safer Streets, Fewer Crashes
   Lower speeds mean quicker reaction times. At 15 mph, riders, particularly younger ones, can better avoid hazards. This curb in speed significantly reduces accident severity and collision risks.

2. Compatible Infrastructure
   Most bike lanes and mixed-use pathways weren’t built for high-speed electric vehicles. Limiting speed helps e‑bikes blend safely with standard bikes, scooters, and walkers.

3. Liability & Insurance Stability
   E‑bikes above 15 mph start to resemble mopeds in risk level. Governments and schools are concerned about liability, especially for under‑18 riders. Speed caps help avoid excessive legal and medical costs.

👶 Why Minors Often Need Licenses or Minimum Age Limits

1. Limited Road Experience

Children lack the traffic awareness that develops over time. In response, many areas enforce age limits or require training before riding a fast e‑bike.

2. Managing Risky Behavior

Licensing introduces accountability, like revoking privileges after infractions, akin to driver’s license systems.

3. Reducing Teen Injuries

With e‑bike-related ER visits rising, especially among youth, licensing ensures riders understand road laws, proper signaling, and helmet use.

📋 State-by-State Licensing & Age Rules for E‑Bike Riders

California

• 🚲 Class 1 & 2 (20 mph max): No license or minimum age required; helmet mandatory for riders under 18.

• ⚡ Class 3 (28 mph): Riders must be 16+, helmet required regardless of age. 

• New California proposals may ban under‑12s and require licensing for faster e‑bikes, though not yet enacted.

• Minimum riding age: 14+ for all e‑bike classes. Riders 14–17 must wear helmets. No license needed for standard Class 1 & 2. 

Florida

• Riders must be 16+ to operate any e‑bike. Helmets are mandatory for those under 16. No driver’s license or registration required.

Washington

• Class 1 & 2 (20 mph): No age or license required.

• Class 3 (28 mph): Riders must be 16+, and bike must display class, speed, and wattage labels. 

🧠 Summary Table: Youth E‑Bike Rules by State

State	Min Age	License Required	Helmet Rule
CA	(Class 1&2); 16+ (Class 3)	No	Under 18 on Class 1/2; anyone on Class 3 must helmet
NY	14+	No	Riders 14–17 must wear helmets
FL	16+	No	Under‑16 riders must wear helmets
WA	16+ for Class 3	No	Helmet required per state bike standards

(Note: Many other states follow similar patterns—no license for standard e‑bikes, age limit of 14–16 for faster classes, and mandatory helmet laws.)

🧭 Final Takeaways

• 15 mph caps on juvenile-friendly e‑bikes minimize injuries and align with shared-path speeds.

• Licensing or age rules, especially for “waisted” Class 3 bikes, reflect efforts to ensure youth have the necessary knowledge and maturity.

• Parental guidance is key: Check bike class (1, 2 or 3), local rules, wear helmets, and reinforce safe riding habits.

🙋 FAQ

Q: Can a 14‑year‑old ride a Class 2 e‑bike?
Yes—in most states, they can ride Class 2 (20 mph) without a license, but may still need a helmet and must meet any minimum state age requirements.

Q: Is a license ever required?
Generally, no for Classes 1 & 2. Only in a few states are faster e‑bikes (Class 3 or moped-level) treated like motor vehicles, requiring a license, registration, or insurance.

Q: What qualifies as Class 1, 2, 3?

• Class 1: Pedal‑assist up to 20 mph

• Class 2: Throttle‑assist up to 20 mph

• Class 3: Pedal‑assist up to 28 mph (often needs age 16+)

By capping speeds and focusing on age‑appropriate licensing, e‑bike laws aim to protect the youngest riders while embracing clean, efficient urban mobility. Feel free to ask if you'd like a map of local rules or tailored guidance for your city!

Waze Dangerous Intersections Alerts Database

Waze Dangerous Intersections Alerts

Navigating busy roads can be challenging, especially in areas with high accident rates. Waze, a community-driven GPS navigation app, has revolutionized road safety with its Dangerous Intersections Alerts Database, a feature designed to notify drivers about hazardous intersections. This article explores the benefits of the database, how it works, and how you can use it to improve your driving experience.

What is the Waze Dangerous Intersections Alerts Database?

The Dangerous Intersections Alerts Database is a feature within Waze that identifies intersections prone to accidents based on user reports and traffic data. When approaching a flagged intersection, drivers receive a notification prompting them to exercise caution. These alerts aim to reduce accidents by increasing driver awareness in high-risk areas.

How the Database Works

The alerts are powered by data sourced from:

• User Reports: Waze users can report accidents, near misses, and unsafe conditions at specific intersections.
• Traffic Patterns: The app analyzes real-time traffic flow to identify intersections where sudden braking or frequent stops occur.
• Historical Data: Waze leverages government and third-party traffic data to supplement user-generated insights.

This dynamic combination of data ensures that the alerts are accurate and regularly updated.

Benefits of Using the Waze Dangerous Intersections Alerts

1. Increased Awareness: Alerts prompt drivers to slow down and pay closer attention when approaching risky intersections.
2. Accident Prevention: By reducing surprises, these notifications help prevent rear-end collisions and other common intersection-related accidents.
3. Community-Sourced Insights: The Waze community continuously improves the database by contributing firsthand experiences.
4. Enhanced Route Planning: Knowing about dangerous intersections in advance can help you plan safer routes.

How to Use Waze Dangerous Intersections Alerts

Follow these steps to make the most of this feature:

1. Download and Set Up Waze: Ensure the app is installed on your smartphone and grant it location access.
2. Enable Alerts: Go to the app settings and turn on "Hazard Alerts" under the Safety & Navigation section.
3. Contribute Data: Report dangerous intersections in your area to help others stay safe.
4. Stay Updated: Keep your app updated to access the latest database improvements and features.

Popular Use Cases

• Urban Areas: Cities with complex road systems and heavy traffic often have a high number of dangerous intersections.

Tragic Johnny Gaudreau Bike Crash on Pennsville Auburn Road Raises Concerns About Road Safety

Oldmans Township, NJ – The recent tragic accident involving NHL player Johnny Gaudreau and his brother Matthew on Pennsville Auburn Road near Stumpy Lane has sparked renewed concerns about road safety in Salem County. The brothers were riding their bikes around 8:30 p.m. on August 29, 2024, returning home after an evening ride, when they were struck by a suspected drunk driver.

This accident is part of a troubling pattern on this stretch of road, known for its narrow lanes and limited visibility. Local residents have long expressed concerns about the safety of cyclists and pedestrians, urging authorities to take action.

Past Incidents and Calls for Safety Improvements

In addition to this recent tragedy, Pennsville Auburn Road has been the site of several other serious incidents over the years. The mix of residential areas and busy throughways has made it a hotspot for accidents, particularly those involving speeding and distracted driving.

Residents are calling for improved lighting, better signage, and the introduction of dedicated bike lanes. The hope is that this high-profile incident will lead to meaningful changes that can prevent future tragedies.

Conclusion

The loss of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau serves as a stark reminder of the dangers present on certain roads. As the investigation continues, the community hopes that this tragedy will lead to enhanced safety measures on Pennsville Auburn Road and similar roadways across the region.

Waymo Autonomous Vehicle Involved in Incident with Cyclist in San Francisco

Waymo, a leader in autonomous vehicle technology, has made significant strides in developing and deploying its driverless taxi service. As the company expands its fleet and operations, understanding the safety performance and accident rates of Waymo’s autonomous taxis becomes increasingly important. This evaluation is crucial for assessing the readiness and reliability of autonomous vehicles in everyday urban settings. 

Addressing the Rising Issue of Kids Running Red Lights on E-Bikes

The advent of e-bikes has revolutionized personal transportation, offering a convenient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional bicycles and cars. However, as their popularity grows, so do concerns about safety, especially when it comes to young riders. One alarming trend is the increasing number of kids running red lights on e-bikes, a behavior that poses significant risks not only to themselves but also to pedestrians and other road users. This article delves into the factors contributing to this issue and explores potential solutions to enhance safety.

Shift to Lower Speed Limits in Cities: Unveiling the Research and Optimal Speed

In recent years, a notable trend has emerged across cities worldwide: the implementation of lower speed limits. This shift, often met with mixed reactions from drivers, raises important questions about safety, efficiency, and urban design. Why are speed limits decreasing? What does research reveal about their impact? And ultimately, what constitutes the "right" speed limit for city environments?

Why Manual Bikes Are Safer Than Electric Bikes on the Road

In recent years, electric bikes (e-bikes) have surged in popularity due to their convenience and ease of use, particularly for commuting and long-distance travel. However, when it comes to safety on the road, manual bikes still hold a significant edge over their electric counterparts. This article explores the various reasons why manual bikes are considered safer than electric bikes for road travel.

Denver Residents Frustrated With New Bike Lanes Installed

Residents in Denver are expressing frustration and concern over the recent installation of bike lanes at Little Cheesman Park. Denver officials have touted the new bike lanes as part of a plan to create a more connected and safe transportation network. However, many neighbors who have experienced the changes firsthand are now urging the city to reconsider the program.

Why Are Intersections Dangerous?

According to studies, an intersection where at least three fatal crashes have occurred should be considered deadly. Intersections can be dangerous for several reasons:

What Makes an Interesection Dangerous for Pedestrians & Cyclists

There are several factors that can make an intersection dangerous for pedestrians:

Map & List of U.S. Cities With Bike Sharing Programs

USA Map Cities With Bike-Sharing Programs

Why I Stopped Biking on the Road and Switched to Peloton

If you're a biker like me, you probably know how hard it is to navigate the roads when so many people are driving and texting. I've been riding my bicycle on the road for years, but one day I realized that someone who's texting while driving is extremely unlikely to see me. When they look up from their phone, they're not going to be looking at the right place or in time to avoid me. If I'm lucky, I might catch a glimpse of them about to hit me when it's too late for me to dodge out of the way or move over.

I found a safer biking solution recently that still gives me the edge of competition.  Peloton's leaderboard is the killer app and will get you hooked on taking classes with people all over the World.  You can take classes on-demand with a small group of people or you can do live classes with thousands of people at the same time.  

Peleton goes into your home easily and prices have come down a lot and so it's much more affordable to get started.  I bought my Peleton bike off Craigslist for $500 as new bikes have recently come down in price to $1,500.  The monthly cost of the service is only $39 per month to do classes. 

Peloton goes into your home and you simply ride it in the comfort of your own home. It is far safer since you do not have to worry about cars hitting you or getting lost while riding on a trail. There is no bad weather involved, no need for a bike rack or lock, and absolutely no maintenance needed. You also don't need to drive anywhere to get to a bike trail so that saves gas as well.

Like many people, I started biking at a young age. Biking is still a useful mode of transportation for me on designated biking trails only. In recent years, I have been doing a lot more indoor biking with Peloton as well as with other instructors at my gym. With Peloton bikes, you are able to take classes with studio instructors from anywhere in the world, which is great for when there's bad weather outside or if you're just not feeling like riding outdoors.

Peloton is a great way to clear your mind and a great release of energy. Whether you are trying to get through a tough day at work or dealing with anxiety, it can help reduce stress.  It also helps with depression, keeps you focused, and helps with insomnia. If you have high blood pressure and diabetes, exercise can help lower these things in your body and improve heart health as well.

I love biking and the outdoors but it is not as safe as it used to be on the roads.  Road biking is dangerous because cars, motorcycles, and trucks are massive and don't always respect cyclists.  Once you have kids or a family you might realize how vulnerable you are to getting killed on a bike. 

Cars, trucks, and motorcycles are much heavier than bikes. If you get hit by one of these vehicles, the vehicle is going to keep moving, but you're probably not. However, if a bicycle hits a car, the car's momentum might remain unchanged (and if we're being honest: your bike is probably going to be crushed).

Running into a parked car is called getting "doored" in cycling jargon. It's important to know that cars and motorcycles can hardly stop on a dime if there's something in their way—that's why it's so important for cyclists to ride safely and give other road users enough room.

Worst of all, drivers can be reckless and drive distracted on their phones texting or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Drivers are very distracted these days by multi-tasking. The average driver may be texting or talking on their phone while driving, or they could be tired and unfocused.

Aggressive driving techniques like following too closely or road raging are very common these days,  If you're asking yourself "Why can't he just swerve?" let me tell you why: because cars are big and heavy and bicycles aren't. Have you ever watched an action movie where someone is chasing another car with theirs? It's easy for them to ram into their intended target unless they swerve their car in a way that makes it almost impossible for them to keep control of it (and even then, there's no guarantee). A bicycle on its own isn't much protection against a car doing anything other than stopping or slowing down when it sees you—and if the driver doesn't see you in time, being hit by one could be fatal or result in serious injuries.

I was tired of being harassed by people who wanted me off the road.  Many drivers find bikers a nuisance and you see this attitude when they don't give you enough space when passing by.  That's the attitude I found myself up against every single time I rode my bike on an actual road, and it took its toll on me. It just takes one angry driver on the road to ruin your bike ride.  

Your safety is paramount. No matter what the weather conditions, what time of day it is, or even how innocuous the road might feel, you need to be prepared for anything that could happen. Your life could depend on it. I don't want to be just another statistic on a police report or news story if an accident were to occur that was not my fault.

6 Bicycle Safety Tips To Avoid Accidents

Riding a bicycle is a favorite pastime for many kids and adults. It has a multilayered appeal in that it is as fun as it is healthy. Kids often enjoy bicycle riding for the adventure and freedom that it provides, while adults often ride their bikes as a means of transportation, for fitness, or even competitively. Bicycling, however, isn't without its risks. People who ride potentially face accidental falls or crashes that can involve pedestrians, other bicyclists, or even vehicles. The resulting injuries can range from mild to fatal depending on the severity of the accident. For that reason, anyone who rides a bike should not only understand that these risks exist, but they must also learn and adhere to behaviors and laws that promote bicycle safety. Fortunately, there are many safety tips that can help reduce the risk of accidents and related injuries. 

Buy and Wear a Helmet

●       The use of a helmet is one of the most important preventative steps one can take to reduce the risk of serious head injuries.

●       Check state bicycle helmet laws. Although adults are typically not required to wear helmets, many states do have laws that require children to wear them.

●       Only wear helmets that meet the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) safety standards.

Choose an Appropriately Fitted Helmet

●       When buying a helmet, only purchase one that is new and the appropriate size for the person who will be wearing it. Keep in mind that sizes may vary from one manufacturer to the next.

●       When fitting a helmet, the rim of the helmet should sit level on the head and approximately two finger widths above the eyebrows. Its straps should fit snugly under the ears in a "V" formation, and when buckled, the chin strap should allow no more than two fingers beneath it. While trying on the helmet, wearers should open their mouths as if yawning: The helmet should hug their head, and the buckle should lie flat. If the helmet rocks back or forward, attempt to re-tighten the straps. If this does not work, try another size.

●       When selecting a helmet for children, parents can help reduce their resistance by letting them choose the style or color.

Use the Right Helmet for the Activity

●       In addition to bicycling, kids should wear a helmet during any wheeled activity.

●       When riding a scooter or while participating in recreational roller-skating or inline skating, kids can and should wear a bike helmet.

●       While there are no helmet standards for ice skating, the CPSC suggests wearing a bicycle helmet, which can provide some level of protection and is preferable to going without a helmet.

●       Skateboard helmets that are CPSC-certified should be worn when longboarding or skateboarding.

Get and Properly Maintain the Right Equipment

●       Before making a purchase, adults choosing a bike should consider their budget and the purpose of the bike in addition to ensuring that it's the right fit.

●       When buying a bike for children, bring them along to prevent the wrong bike size from being purchased.

●       To ensure that the bike is not too large, children should straddle the seat and place both feet flat on the ground. If they are unable to comfortably do so, the bike may be too tall.

●       Parents should avoid the temptation to buy a bike that their child will grow into. For safety, only purchase one that is the right fit for the child's current size.

●       Maintenance must be performed regularly on bicycles.

●       Before every ride, check the wheels for loose bolts. Check the tire pressure to ensure that they are inflated properly, and look for areas that are worn or cracked. The handlebars should be set at the right height, and the brakes should be working properly. Other items to check are the bicycle's chains and gears.

●       Perform a helmet safety check as a part of the pre-ride maintenance, checking for cracks or problems with the straps.

●       Anyone riding a bike should avoid wearing clothes that are loose-fitting or long. This type of clothing can get caught up in tires, chains, or spokes and cause a cyclist to crash.

Provide the Necessary Supervision

●       Parents or guardians should ride with and closely supervise children who are new to riding a bike, paying close attention to how comfortable and responsible they are as riders.

●       Limit where children younger than 10 can ride their bicycles. Because children under this age often have difficulty when it comes to vehicular traffic, they should be limited to riding on bike paths, in parks, and on familiar sidewalks.

●       Only allow children to ride alone and with traffic after they've demonstrated maturity, good riding and judgment skills, and an understanding of the rules of the road associated with bicycling.

●       Occasionally ride with children after they've been allowed to ride without supervision. Look for bad habits that may have been picked up from their peers.

Teach and Lead by Example

●       Teach kids to bike across the street safely by instructing them to look left, right, and then left again before crossing.

●       Like pedestrians, cyclists should make eye contact with drivers before they attempt to cross the street. This ensures that the driver is alert and aware of their presence so that they can come to a stop.

●       Kids should also be taught to ride their bikes with traffic, staying on the right side of the road. Additionally, they should be taught to obey traffic signals and signs and to use hand signals when appropriate.

●       Predictability is important when riding a bike. Kids should be taught not to behave in ways that are unexpected and take drivers by surprise.

●       Parents should always follow all safety rules, such as wearing a helmet when riding their bike, as kids will often copy the behavior of parents and trusted adults.

Be Bright and as Visible as Possible on the Road

●       Reflectors on bicycles increase the visibility of cyclists during dim light or night riding. Reflectors should be added as needed.

●       For bicycle safety, wear articles of clothing that are made of retro-reflective materials or that have reflective trim or patches.

●       All cyclists can benefit from using bike lights, which also makes it easier for drivers to see them on the road. In some states, the use of a front solid white light is required by law.

This article written by Jonathan Rosenfled is lifted from Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers.  

How to Find Dangerous Intersections in Your City (Video)

Bad Intersections

10 Ways To Get Respect From Drivers While Riding Your Bike

Why has riding a bike in most cities across the World now become hazardous to your health and you could easily be risking your life and injury.   I have been riding my bike for the last 25+ years to commute around the Hermosa Beach & Manhattan Beach area.  I used to ride my bike for exercise on the streets training for triathlons but ever since I had kids I have stopped.  It is just too risky now and over the years I have seen many injuries and accidents because some drivers don't respect bikers.

It concerns me that driving has become even more hazardous with texting and distracted driving.  However, one thing that has progressed is road rage, especially in the morning.  I can't tell you how many times I have seen angry drivers pass bikers too close.  Why don't more drivers respect the space of bikers on the road?  Don't more drivers realize that kids are riding their bikes to school and need to slow down?  Over the years I have found the following things help to move cars and get more respect from cars while riding.  Passing too close is my biggest pet peeve and here are ways to help get more space.

• Ride with a group of 2 or more people.  Drivers tend to respect riders more in a group. 
• Have a quick look over your shoulder if you start to hear a car approaching. 
• Wear bright colors.  
• Do your best to hug the side of the road or parked cars. 
• Don't ride in the middle of a lane because you never know if a crazy driver is approaching.
• Don't run stop signs or lights. 
• Don't ride too fast down hills or in areas with heavy traffic.  Stopping safely is everything! 
• Always be on guard and never relax while riding. 
• Look inside parked vehicles to make sure a car is not about to pull out or open a car door.  
• NEVER wear headphones!  

I can't tell you how many times I have almost been hit by a car while riding my bike on the side of the road. Why don't more drivers give proper space to bikers on the road?   Most drivers are courteous and pull over a lane on the road or just ride the median to give ample space.   However, on some rides, there is usually that one "knucklehead" driver who does not respect your space and will pass you without pulling out.  These people know what they are doing because they often look in the rearview mirror to see my reaction.  We need to crowdsource a database of these assholes and their license plates!

I am not an overly aggressive rider and tend to hug the side of the road for just these reasons.  What can be done to solve these problems?  Education or steeper fines for not giving bikers ample space?  Here is a good article that talks about the 9 things that drivers need to stop saying in the bikes vs cars debate.

Here is another article that suggests that drivers think that cyclists are annoying.  Why do motorists get so angry at cyclists?    "It's not because cyclists are annoying,” he writes. “It isn't even because we have a selective memory for that one stand-out annoying cyclist over the hundreds of boring, non-annoying ones (although that probably is a factor). No, my theory is that motorists hate cyclists because they think they offend the moral order.”

I would like to see bike radar companies like Ridar take off in the future.  If every car has a bike presence sensor and cars were informed that a bike was nearby this could help.  It would be awesome to see companies like Waze have a function for bikers to let drivers know they are nearby.  However, it is going to take widespread adoption by the automakers.  Hopefully, companies like Garmin and Ridar can make this happen and bring the technology to the masses.  

World's Most Dangerous Intersections Map

We are building a database of the most dangerous car, pedestrian, motorcycle and bike intersections.  We have over 4000+ in the database.  World's Most Dangerous Intersections. 

Determining the world's most dangerous intersections is challenging as the level of danger can vary based on factors such as traffic volume, driver behavior, infrastructure design, and local regulations. However, here are a few intersections known for their high accident rates:

Merging Intersection, Dhaka, Bangladesh: This intersection is notorious for its chaotic traffic, lack of traffic signals, and aggressive driving. The high volume of vehicles, including buses, rickshaws, and motorcycles, combined with minimal traffic management, contributes to frequent accidents.

Guoliang Tunnel Intersection, Henan Province, China: The Guoliang Tunnel is a mountain road that features a narrow, dimly lit tunnel. The intersection outside the tunnel is known for its sharp curves and poor visibility, making it a hazardous spot for accidents, especially considering the heavy tourist traffic.

Spaghetti Junction, Birmingham, United Kingdom: Officially known as Gravelly Hill Interchange, this complex network of roads and ramps is infamous for its intricate design and numerous merging points. The complexity, coupled with heavy traffic, increases the likelihood of accidents and congestion.

Crossroads Intersection, Mumbai, India: Located in the Andheri neighborhood, this intersection is heavily congested and experiences a high volume of traffic, including pedestrians, cyclists, and various types of vehicles. The lack of proper infrastructure, traffic signals, and lane discipline contributes to accidents and chaos.

17th Street and North Broadway, Santa Ana, California, USA: This intersection is known for its high number of accidents due to a combination of factors such as heavy traffic, poorly timed traffic signals, pedestrian activity, and a complex road layout.

United States Dangerous Intersections Map

Bad Intersections is a crowdsourced map database of intersections that are unsafe and annoying. Our mission is to identify hazardous intersections for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers. Our goal is to identify intersections with the following characteristics: lots of accidents (vehicles, bikes, pedestrians), confusing driver navigation, long lights, congestion, traffic jams. driving.  Search our map at BadIntersections.com.