E-BIKE SAFETY CAMPAIGN UNDERWAY IN MIDDLETOWN
MIDDLETOWN, RI (MARCH 9, 2026) – The Middletown Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) is looking to get the word out about safe electric bicycle use.
During a meeting Monday night in Town Hall, members of the volunteer group told the Town Council that e-bikes are becoming more of a reality in the community — and across the country.
Making it clear the bicycles were a positive overall, BPAC Chairperson Emily Sullivan said there were some who needed a bit of a reminder on proper use of e-bikes.
For example, Sullivan said many youth — and their parents — don’t realize that those under 16 years of age cannot legally ride an e-bike. There are many in the community who ride at night who need to equip their bikes with lighting, something the data shows reduces accidents.
“They’re dramatically less expensive than a car to both own and operate,” Sullivan said. “It’s a realistic transportation alternative and they give teens and students a sense of responsibility and mobility. They are good, but the statistics show there’s a need for some outreach in terms of safety and awareness about proper use.”
Briefing the council, Sullivan said BPAC has identified e-bikes as a priority issue for Middletown.
Sullivan said like traditional bicyclists, e-bikers are supposed to obey all traffic laws when riding. She also noted that e-bikers are designated to use the right-hand travel lane when riding on four-lane streets.
Several council members — led by Charlie Roberts and Barbara VonVillas — said they’d like to see more education about e-bikes at Middletown High School, something Sullivan said would be pursued.
E-bike data presented by Sullivan and BPAC included:
- E-bike injuries more than doubled every year, going from 751 in 2017 to 23,493 in 2022
- Forty three percent of e-bike riders wear helmets versus 52 percent for conventional bike riders
- E-bike incidents are more severe than traditional bicycle accidents due to speeds involved
- Crashes with motor vehicles and control issues are top hazards associated with e-bike fatalities
While many focus on the teens who ride, Town Administrator Shawn J. Brown said there’s a sizable population of e-bikers who use them to get to and from work along Middletown’s busiest corridors, particularly East Main and West Main roads. Brown is an active bicyclist who counts the loop along Ocean Drive in Newport among his favorite rides.
To connect with that population, Brown suggested the BPAC host several off-hours events to hand out lights and information to such riders.
“We have a large population that is not necessarily going to be on our website, is not necessarily going connect with anything to do with government,” Brown said. “It’s one of those issues where you’ve got to get out on the main road and try to contact people.”
Council President Paul M. Rodrigues agreed, saying there were a number of nontraditional routes that could be used to spread the important information.
“I think it’s a good idea to work with some of the (hotels and restaurants),” Rodrigues said. “We have to put this out in different languages because if you can’t communicate, what good is it? Thank you for your work. It will make a difference.”
To review the BPAC presentation, visit https://mdl.town/EBike-3226 online.
Document Link: https://mdl.town/NYCU-EBike-3926
About Middletown
The Town of Middletown is a vibrant municipality located on Aquidneck Island, known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, diverse economy and strong sense of community. For more information about all we have to offer, visit MiddletownRI.gov online.
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