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I write this short letter today out of concern for the safety of your children. During the past few days, I have observed groups of kids riding their E-bikes together on the sidewalks of Chestnut Street. I have noticed they are moving at a relative high rate of speed, and going both with and against the direction of car traffic.
My main concern is this: the leaders of the group seem to be older kids who are more skilled and comfortable on the bike, while the followers seem to be less experienced and less confident, but still moving fast trying to keep up! These less experienced followers are moving faster than they probably should be, and I doubt they are able to pay attention to turning cars and the bikes around them.
I have also seen a group of kid e-bikers moving pedestrians off the sidewalk to let them pass; not the way it should be, and more opportunities for accidents.
When we lived in New Jersey, I belonged to an organization called the David D. Hammar Foundation, which organized annual bike rides to raise attention and funding around bike safety for kids and adults. David Hammar was killed by a motor vehicle while riding his bike during early morning hours in September 2006. His death is a solemn reminder of how serious the consequences of sharing a road with bikes and cars can be.
Parents, please pay attention to your kids cycling skills, abilities, and learn who they are cycling with. Talk to them about good, safe and fun biking practices. And of course, make sure they are riding with helmets on! Let's keep the summer fun and free from tragedy!
Mark Minnichelli
Franklin
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https://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/03/introducing-voices-of-franklin.html
