GREENFIELD — Greenfield Police Department announced Wednesday that it will begin a zero-tolerance enforcement campaign targeting unsafe and unlawful use of e-bikes and e-scooters throughout the city.
According to police, the department has received ongoing complaints from residents regarding reckless riding involving e-bikes and e-scooters. Officers have also responded to collisions, near-collisions and other incidents involving riders — primarily juveniles — operating unsafely on streets, sidewalks and near schools and parks.
“Beginning today, Greenfield officers will take a zero-tolerance approach to unsafe and unlawful e-bike and e-scooter violations,” the department stated in a news release May 13. “Our goal is safety, education and accountability.”
Police said officers will proactively enforce violations and issue citations when appropriate.
Violations may include riding on sidewalks, running stop signs or traffic signals, speeding, riding against traffic, carrying passengers when prohibited, failing to wear a helmet when required, and reckless riding in traffic or around pedestrians.
Juvenile riders who violate the law may be cited, according to police. Parents or guardians will be notified at the time of the stop, and the contact will be documented. Parent notifications and advisements will also be recorded on officers’ body-worn camera systems.
The department encouraged parents to speak with their children about riding safely, following traffic laws and respecting pedestrians, drivers and the community.
Police also warned that reckless driving or unsafe operation could result in the impoundment of an e-bike or e-scooter.
The department reminded riders that e-scooters have a maximum speed limit of 15 mph, riders younger than 18 are required to wear helmets, e-scooters are prohibited on sidewalks, and all riders must obey traffic laws and signs.
“We want everyone to enjoy riding safely and responsibly while helping keep Greenfield streets, sidewalks, parks and neighborhoods safe,” the department stated.
