As Auburn students return to class Tuesday, school officials are urging drivers, families and young riders to pay closer attention on city streets, with e-bike safety emerging as a particular concern after a series of crashes and months of public discussion.
The Auburn Enlarged City School District is asking motorists to slow down in school zones, stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, watch for school buses and children walking to and from school, and put phones and other distractions away. Families and other community members are also being encouraged to leave a few minutes earlier and expect heavier traffic as normal school-year travel patterns return.
The district’s message is simple: “Slow down. Look twice. Stop for students.”
But this year’s back-to-school safety push comes as Auburn is also confronting broader questions about how children and teenagers are using e-bikes and e-scooters — and what state law actually allows.
Under New York law, children younger than 16 cannot legally operate e-bikes or e-scooters on public streets, highways or bike paths. Riders ages 16 and 17 are required to wear helmets when operating an e-bike or e-scooter, while anyone operating a Class 3 e-bike, which can reach speeds of up to 28 mph, must wear a helmet regardless of age.
For traditional bicycles, riders younger than 14 are required to wear helmets.
Those restrictions are particularly relevant as students begin traveling to and from school again and more young people are on Auburn’s streets during morning and afternoon commuting periods.
E-bike concerns have been building in Auburn
The issue isn’t new.
Residents raised concerns before Auburn City Council earlier this summer about e-bike crashes, traffic safety and whether enough is being done to prevent serious injuries.
One resident cited multiple recent e-bike crashes, including incidents in which riders suffered serious injuries and required emergency medical treatment. The crashes were raised as part of a broader public-safety debate in the city.
Others argued enforcement alone wouldn’t solve the problem.
During that discussion, another Auburn resident said many young riders need better education about how to safely navigate city traffic and argued that responsibility should extend beyond police to parents, families and the wider community.
That debate highlighted two approaches that aren’t necessarily mutually exclusive: enforcing existing traffic and equipment laws while also making sure young riders understand them before getting on the road.
With school beginning, those concerns become more immediate as drivers encounter increased pedestrian, bicycle and e-bike traffic around schools, intersections and residential neighborhoods.
The district is asking drivers to pay particular attention around crosswalks and buses and to give students additional time and space to reach school safely.
For families whose children ride bicycles, e-bikes or e-scooters, the start of school also provides an opportunity to review whether they’re legally old enough to use the equipment on public roads and whether required helmets and other safety equipment are being used.
The return of classes means Auburn streets will look different beginning Tuesday morning. More buses will be stopping, more children will be crossing streets and more young riders will be sharing the road with vehicles.
School officials are asking everyone traveling through the city to plan accordingly.
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