E-Bikes and School Safety Crisis | Santa Barbara News

E-bikes are turning a once-quiet stretch near a high school into a dangerous hotspot, with crashes spiking as drivers can’t see fast-moving riders entering a gravel lot. Since 2021, 35 bike crashes have hit Goleta—with 9 on Cathedral Oaks Road alone. One student, Dexter, was injured after being hit by a car turning into the lot, despite riding safely. Parents and officials are alarmed, especially since the lot’s entrance is hidden by trees and poor visibility. Temporary fixes like earlier closures and patrols helped slightly, but the real issue remains: drivers just can’t see e-bikes. A blocking eucalyptus tree is set for removal, and schools are hosting safety workshops to educate riders and drivers. Officials plan to meet this summer to tackle the problem head-on, recognizing that current laws may not cover e-bikes—and that a mix of education and new rules is needed to keep everyone safe. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/9e21aecfbf908ff2