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UPDATESHERIFF’S OFFICE 6 As the popularity of e-bicycles has exploded, so have calls to the Sheriff’s Office about them, ranging from nuisance issues such as teens riding them in parks to serious incidents involving accidents and injuries. Early fall still provides plenty of time for riding – maybe even to school – so it’s helpful to know some basics about e-bike capabilities, statistics, and safety issues. Depending on their class, e-bikes can reach speeds of 28mph and are legal on sidewalks, trails, streets, and private property, with permission. They are not permitted in public parks. Safety rules require e-bike riders under 18 to wear a helmet. E-bikes cannot have passengers and must use a headlight and rear reflec- tor if riding at night. (See attached chart.) These speedy riders can take pedestrians as well as drivers by surprise, often resulting in complaints and near misses, all the way to full-on crashes. On a national level, e-bike accidents surged from around 3,500 in 2017 to 34,200 in 2023, according to the latest numbers from Consumer Shield. Roughly 38% of e-bike crashes nationally involve motor vehicles. Most e-bike accidents are single-vehicle accidents where the rider loses control and hits a stationary object, like a parked car, or runs off the road. Many riders take time to adjust to e-bikes, and they risk crashing while they learn how to use them. Motor vehicle drivers, on the other hand, often don’t hear these quiet bikes, or they misjudge their speed or distance. Inattention and distracted driving are also a common cause of crashes with e-bikes. With e-bike ridership still growing, it’s important to be aware of the laws and local ordinances that apply wherever you ride. Always use caution, follow traffic rules, and wear the proper safety gear. Let’s all do our part to ride responsibly and safely—so everyone can make the most of these final weeks of good weather before winter rolls in. Vehicle Tampering Warm summer nights have brought a rash of tampering and thefts from motor vehicles, ranging from stolen sunglasses and backpacks to more serious items like wallets and keys. Sometimes thieves will use a garage door remote to enter a garage or unlocked home. So it’s im- perative to know how keep your car safe, regardless of the season. Here are some tips that may seem obvious, but they’re important to repeat because too often people think crime won’t happen to them. • NEVER leave keys anywhere in your vehicle. • ALWAYS lock your car! • Close all windows so thieves can’t reach inside to unlock the vehicle. • Make sure the glove box and trunk are locked. • If you can’t park in a secure garage at night, park in a well-lit area. • Take all valuables like identification, wallets, purses, cash, phones, back- packs and bags with you; if that’s not possible, put them in a locked trunk before you get to your location. • Install an anti-theft system so that if a thief breaks a window to get in your car, a loud alarm could scare them off. ALL ABOUTE-BIKES Burger Night with WCSO Deputies Come meet your deputies at Hugo American Legion on Monday, Oct. 27. Sponsored by Hugo Yellow Ribbon Network, this fun-filled event will include burgers and chips for $7. Proceeds will help support military families. Stop by to show your support! Cash or checks only. 5383 140th St. N • 5 pm - 8 pm Most importantly, if you see someone breaking into your car, don’t confront them. Call 911!