Raising Awareness: E-Bike laws and safety

As the popularity of electric bicycles continues to rise locally and nationwide, Smithtown High School East is taking proactive steps to educate students and families about e-bike safety.

Over the past several months, East students have been researching the growing concerns surrounding e-bikes, including the risks they pose to both riders and pedestrians. As part of this learning initiative, Stony Brook Children’s Hospital representative Jamie Ryan, along with David Regina, Suffolk County Police Deputy Police of Patrol and Suffolk County Special Assistant District Attorney, Maureen McCormick, visited the school Wednesday to share expert insight on injury prevention and real-world safety concerns related to e-bike use.

The presentation reinforced the importance of responsible riding and helmet use, highlighting sobering statistics: more than 20,000 people are injured annually while riding electric bicycles, with approximately 3,000 requiring hospitalization. Notably, 97 percent of injured e-bike riders were not wearing a helmet at the time of their accident.

The visit also aligned with recent communication from Principal McNeil, who reminded families that riding an e-bike on school property is strictly prohibited unless the bike is walked.

High School East students, under the guidance of High School East teacher, June Tener, played a key role in leading the presentation and sharing their Civic Leadership class research with peers.

A special thank you goes to student presenters Barrett James, Jaden Robinson, Laina Maggiulli, and Miabela Ortiz.