Keeping North Strabane Safe: Important Safety Updates on E-Bikes and ATVs

We love seeing everyone outside enjoying the beautiful weather in our community! Getting fresh air and staying active is a great part of living in the Canon-McMillan School District. However, alongside this outdoor activity, and advances in battery powered technology, we have noticed a concerning trend that we need to address together: a sharp rise in dangerous riding and a lack of compliance with police officers involving e-bikes, ATVs, and electric motorcycles.

IMPORTANT DISTINCTION- High-powered, pedal-less, electric motorcycles are not the same as standard e-bikes. These highpowered vehicles are not legal for street use by anyone, regardless of the rider ' s age.

DUTY TO STOP- Ignoring safety laws or refusing to stop for police

puts everyone— especially the riders themselves— at severe risk. While this dangerous behavior affects all age groups, we are seeing a specific and alarming increase in juvenile violations.

To ensure North Strabane remains a safe place to live and play, we are stepping up enforcement in direct response to these community concerns. Parents: We Need Your Help

We cannot tackle this issue alone. We are asking all parents to please sit down and talk to your kids about the severe risks of reckless riding. It is crucial that they understand not only the physical dangers but also the strict legal necessity of stopping for police officers if they are flagged down. Further, as this problem continues to grow, trends are showing an increase in parents being criminally charged for catastrophic outcomes caused by permitting kids to ride these bikes on roadways.

What You Need to Know About Enforcement

Under Pennsylvania law and local North Strabane ordinances, violating these riding laws carries serious

consequences. Please be aware that these violations can result in:

• Citations and fines for the rider.

• Citations and fines for parents( of minor violators) for permitting the violations.

• Driver’ s license suspensions( or delays in getting future driver ' s permits) for the rider.

• Driver’ s license suspensions for parents( of minor violators) for permitting the violations.

• Impoundment or permanent seizure of the vehicle, which includes the burden of tow and storage fees.

• Criminal charges for child endangerment in extreme cases.

• Parental Liability: Recent legal developments show that parents or guardians can be charged criminally for catastrophes and accidents caused by minors who are given these bikes.( Note: This clarifies the risks associated with minors operating these vehicles).

We all share the same goal: making sure our kids come home safe every day. Let ' s work together to keep our streets, sidewalks, and North Strabane safe for everyone to enjoy.

CANON-MAC ❘ SUMMER 2026 47