Thursday, March 20, 2025
As spring approaches and the weather warms, the roads will soon be filled with cyclists, e-bike riders and electric scooter users. The season of outdoor activity is rapidly approaching, and with it comes a pressing need for heightened awareness of our busy roads. More of us will be walking, biking and taking part in sports — and that means more people on the streets, and bicyclists and e-bike riders sharing the roads with motorists.
This is no time for complacency. As our streets grow busier and traffic increases, it’s critical that we all understand the rules of the road, and take responsibility for the safety of others as well as ourselves. Failure to do so could lead to preventable accidents with devastating consequences for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike.
First and foremost, Nassau County has strict bike safety laws that everyone must be aware of, particularly parents. It is the law that children under 18 must wear a helmet when riding a bike, scooter, motorized scooter or e-bike. Parents who fail to ensure their children’s safety face fines of $50, and parents of children older than 12 who engage in reckless behavior like performing stunts, riding side by side in the street or playing chicken with traffic can be fined up to $100. I’ve seen this reckless behavior, and heard countless reports from concerned residents throughout my legislative district. These dangerous actions must be addressed and prevented.
For cyclists, these safety measures are not optional — they are a necessity:
Always wear a helmet.
Follow all traffic laws, signs and signals. No exceptions.
Always ride in the direction of traffic, never against it.
Keep both hands on the handlebars and always be ready to brake.
Use lights when riding at night, and make sure your bike is equipped with reflectors.
Wear reflective materials so drivers can see you.
Use hand signals when turning.
Never ride while distracted — no headphones, no texting, no talking on your phone.
Need a good reason to wear a bike helmet? The statistics are stark. According to the National Institutes of Health, in accidents involving bikes, wearing a helmet reduces the risk of severe head injuries by 60 percent and cuts the likelihood of fatal or serious injury by 34 percent. This isn’t a suggestion — it’s a lifesaving measure.
As the popularity of e-bikes and electric scooters continues to rise, they present a whole new set of challenges. They can reach dangerous speeds, making it even more important for their riders to follow the law. Riders must be familiar with the state laws that are specific to these vehicles to avoid putting themselves and others at risk:
E-bike riders must be at least 16 years old.
E-bikes have a speed limit of 20 to 25 mph, depending on the class of the bike.
Electric scooters are limited to 15 mph.
E-bikes are not allowed on roads with speed limits above 30 mph.
Riders must stay in bike lanes or streets. Sidewalks are off-limits.
Riders must wear a helmet if their e-bike can exceed 20 mph or if they are under 18.
Ensuring road safety isn’t just the responsibility of cyclists and riders; it’s everyone’s responsibility. Each of us must be vigilant, aware and committed to following the rules of the road. It’s not just about following laws; it’s about making our community safer for everyone.
Let’s not wait until it’s too late. Whether you’re a cyclist or a driver, we must all do our part to prevent the tragedy of a crash that could have been avoided. The road to safety starts with us.
Michael Giangregorio represents Nassau County’s 12th Legislative District.
