Resident proposes e-bike safety, certification program for middle-school students
July 17, 2026 | Fairfield, Fairfield, Connecticut
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Katie Cook, a member of the public, asked the Bike and Pedestrian Committee to support a community e‑bike safety and skills program aimed at middle‑school students. Speaking at the meeting, Cook said she had researched New Haven’s program and been put in touch with the New Haven Coalition for Active Transportation; she cited a $5,000 startup grant that New Haven used to pay teachers and get its program running.
Cook described several possible formats: an after‑school class, a three‑hour Saturday session, or a school‑linked course that could include on‑street riding practice, a short certification, and a separate maintenance session. “Maybe there’s some kind of certification that a kid gets and that allows them to bring their ebike to school,” she said, arguing that a clear, local curriculum could help schools and parents manage e‑bike use.
Committee members stressed that any local program should involve school principals, the police department and community partners. Members emphasized a safety curriculum that includes maintenance checks — brakes, lights and batteries — and suggested recruiting sponsors or local bike shops to provide demonstrations and equipment trials so parents can see whether a given model is appropriate. One committee member said many families buy powerful Class 3 bikes online and may not realize how fast they can go.
Katie Cook volunteered to help lead follow‑up work and to draft a short plan or business case to share with the committee. The group agreed to form a small working group to reach out to schools, the police liaison and potential program providers and to explore grant funding and sponsorships. Next steps recorded at the meeting: a small subteam will convene to refine the proposal and Cook will prepare draft materials that can be circulated to principals and potential funders.
The committee did not take a formal vote on the proposal; members instructed volunteers to continue outreach and to report back at a future meeting.
Cook described several possible formats: an after‑school class, a three‑hour Saturday session, or a school‑linked course that could include on‑street riding practice, a short certification, and a separate maintenance session. “Maybe there’s some kind of certification that a kid gets and that allows them to bring their ebike to school,” she said, arguing that a clear, local curriculum could help schools and parents manage e‑bike use.
Committee members stressed that any local program should involve school principals, the police department and community partners. Members emphasized a safety curriculum that includes maintenance checks — brakes, lights and batteries — and suggested recruiting sponsors or local bike shops to provide demonstrations and equipment trials so parents can see whether a given model is appropriate. One committee member said many families buy powerful Class 3 bikes online and may not realize how fast they can go.
Katie Cook volunteered to help lead follow‑up work and to draft a short plan or business case to share with the committee. The group agreed to form a small working group to reach out to schools, the police liaison and potential program providers and to explore grant funding and sponsorships. Next steps recorded at the meeting: a small subteam will convene to refine the proposal and Cook will prepare draft materials that can be circulated to principals and potential funders.
The committee did not take a formal vote on the proposal; members instructed volunteers to continue outreach and to report back at a future meeting.
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