Wake Forest police are urging parents to talk with their children about e-bike safety following a recent incident in which a large group of riders blocked traffic in a residential neighborhood.
According to the Wake Forest Police Department, officers responded to a “street takeover” in the Heritage subdivision where a group of young people used e-bikes to shut down portions of the roadway while performing tricks.
The activity temporarily made it difficult for vehicles to pass and raised safety concerns for residents.
“Coordinated events that block traffic, ignore traffic signals, and endanger others will not be tolerated,” Police Chief Julius Jefferson said in a statement. “We urge community members to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity.”
Police said the incident highlights a broader issue as the use of e-bikes and similar devices continues to grow across town, particularly among younger riders.
Officials are reminding residents that e-bikes are subject to the same traffic laws as traditional bicycles, including obeying signals and yielding to pedestrians.
The incident comes just weeks after the Wake Forest Board of Commissioners approved updates to the town’s Code of Ordinances aimed at addressing the increased use of e-bikes and scooters.
The changes, adopted in late January, lifted the town’s previous ban on motorized scooters and established clearer rules for where e-bikes, scooters and electric-assisted bicycles can be operated.
Under the updated ordinance, those devices are generally allowed on streets, greenways and multi-use paths, but are prohibited on sidewalks.
The rules also cap speeds at 10 miles per hour in parks and on greenways and require riders under 16 to wear helmets. Pedestrians are given the right of way in all cases.
Town officials said the ordinance was intended to provide guidance in response to a surge in use that had largely gone unregulated in recent years.
While police previously emphasized education over enforcement as the new rules took effect, officials indicated that dangerous or coordinated behavior like the recent takeover could lead to more serious consequences.
Police are asking parents to reinforce the rules with their children and to discourage unsafe riding, particularly in groups or in ways that interfere with traffic
