WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) -- West Springfield is taking action after two recent e-bike crashes involving teenagers. The city is now working on a new ordinance to crack down on dangerous riding.

Western Mass News sat down with West Springfield Mayor Reichelt, who says he’s not surprised, but disappointed. He says this is exactly what happened last year when warmer weather brought more riders out. However, this year, he says, it could be worse.

E-bikes are getting cheaper, easier to find; and more kids are riding them. West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt says that’s not a bad thing, but he says there’s a dangerous line between an e-bike and something far more powerful. “There’s e-bikes that can go legally up to 18-20 miles an hour — they’re like the pedal assist bikes. Then there’s the e-motos, that are essentially like electric dirt bikes. Those are a real problem,” he explains.

Right now, West Springfield police are confiscating bikes from riders who are speeding, riding on sidewalks, or riding without a helmet. Yet, the mayor says the city needs more tools to act, “The council is working on putting an ordinance in place that addresses e-bikes — kind of where the state leaves off — and hopefully pick up some more regulation and allow our police to take a little more action.”

The school committee is also considering banning e-bikes from school property. Mayor Reichelt says school resource officers will be sent into classrooms to talk to students directly about the risks, “If you get in an accident and you’re doing 30 on your e-bike and you’re not wearing a helmet; your life’s going to change for the worse.”

The mayor says the goal isn’t to keep kids off their bikes; it’s to make sure they get home safely, and that starts with a helmet and following the rules of the road. Mayor Reichelt also pointed to a future bike path plan he says could give riders a safer place to ride, keeping them off busy roads and sidewalks.

Western Mass News will continue to follow this story as that ordinance moves forward, and bring you updates as they become available.

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