Fairfield Safe Streets Alliance weighs e-bike certification, parental fines and speed cameras

An agency official reported on Safe Streets Alliance work to reduce injuries and crashes involving e-bikes and e-scooters, describing a mix of voluntary education and potential ordinance changes intended to change behavior among youth and parents.

Why it matters: The proposals aim to address recurring safety complaints at schools, parks and neighborhood roads and to reduce risky behaviors that have led to crashes and calls for rescue.

Details: The Alliance plans to promote an online certification course (video modules plus an exam) that would certify e-bike and e-scooter riders; staff suggested schools might encourage or require certification for riders traveling to school. The official said the police are developing language with the RTM for an ordinance that would allow officers to fine parents when a child is involved in an accident on an e-bike or e-scooter — a step other jurisdictions have employed to influence parental oversight. The Alliance also heard a resident request for a speed-camera ticketing program on Fairfield Beach Road; staff said they will investigate whether state rules allow such cameras in the specific locations requested.

Next steps: Police and RTM will work on ordinance language for parental fines and Safe Streets will continue outreach; possible implementation of speed cameras requires state approval and additional study.