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Share the road. Share the trail. Ride Responsibly.

Bicycle, E-Bike and Scooter Safety

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WHEELING -- Many children know how to ride a bicycle, but do they know the rules of the road? With bicycles, e-bikes and scooters becoming increasingly popular ways to get around the city, the Wheeling Police Department is reminding riders and parents that knowing how to operate a bike or scooter is only part of staying safe. Understanding the rules of the road and trail is just as important.

"Riding a bicycle is a great way for children to have fun and get around, but parents need to make sure their children understand the rules before they head out," said Deputy Chief Terry Walls. "A bicycle is considered a vehicle when it is being operated on the roadway, and riders are expected to follow traffic laws just like motorists."

Know the Rules of the Road

Parents should make sure young riders understand these basic safety rules before riding on city streets:

– Ride with traffic, never against it.

– Stop at stop signs and traffic signals.

– Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.

– Ride as far to the right as practical.

– Use lights when riding after dark.

– Signal turns.

– Ride one person per seat unless the bicycle is specifically designed to carry more than one rider.

– Look both ways before crossing a street. Never dart into traffic.

– Wear a properly fitted helmet. Helmets save lives.

"Parents should talk with their children about what to look for before they ride, particularly when crossing streets," Walls said. "Looking both ways and making sure the way is clear needs to become a habit every time."

Share the Heritage Trail

Bicyclists and other trail users also have a responsibility to share the Heritage Trail safely with pedestrians, families, pets and other riders. Trail users should:

– Ride at a safe speed.

– Keep to the right except when passing.

– Pass on the left.

– Announce yourself before passing, such as by saying, "On your left!"

– Yield to pedestrians.

– Slow down around children and pets.

– Never block the trail.

– Keep one ear free when using headphones.

– Put phones down while riding.

– Ride single file.

– Remember that unauthorized motor vehicles are not permitted on the trail.

"Heritage Trail is a shared public space, and everyone using it has a role in keeping it safe," Walls said. "Riders need to be aware of their surroundings and be prepared for pedestrians, children, pets and other cyclists. Slow down, give people space and communicate when passing."

Know the Rules for E-Bikes

E-bikes have become increasingly popular, but not all e-bikes are treated the same under city rules.

– There are three classes of e-bikes.

– Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes can travel up to 20 mph and are permitted wherever traditional bicycles are permitted.

– Class 3 e-bikes, which are motorized bicycles capable of accelerating up to 28 mph, are subject to additional requirements.

– Class 3 e-bikes must be equipped with a speedometer that displays speed in miles per hour.

– Class 3 e-bikes are not permitted on sidewalks or on the Heritage Trail system. They must be operated on the roadway and riders must follow all applicable traffic laws, including stopping at traffic lights and stop signs.

– A person under 15 years of age operating an e-bike is required to wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet.

– Operating an e-bike under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited.

"E-bikes can look similar to traditional bicycles, but riders need to know what class of e-bike they are operating and where that class is permitted," Walls said. "Understanding the rules before riding can prevent a dangerous situation and help keep everyone sharing the roadway and trail safe."

Don’t Forget About Motorized Scooters

Motorized scooters are another increasingly popular way to get around Wheeling, but riders must follow specific rules.

– Riders must be at least 18 years old to operate a motorized scooter. Scooters must stay off sidewalks and may be operated on the roadway, in a bike lane or on the trail where permitted.

– Only one person may ride on a scooter, and while helmets are recommended, they are not required.

– Motorized scooters also are permitted only in designated zones of the City.

For more information about motorized scooter regulations and designated zones, visit www.wheelingwv.gov/safety.

Whether riding a traditional bicycle, an e-bike or a scooter, the message is simple: Share the road. Share the trail. Ride responsibly.

"Everyone has a part to play in keeping our streets and trails safe," Walls said. "Know the rules, pay attention, respect other people using the roadway or trail and make safety a priority every time you ride."