St. Pete police said this is the fifth deadly crash involving an e-bike they’ve investigated this year.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — St. Pete police are investigating the second deadly e-bike crash in less than two weeks. Police said e-bike rider Edelina Fleitas. was killed near 22nd Avenue North and 49th Street North.
St. Pete police said this is the fifth deadly crash involving an e-bike they’ve investigated this year. While the cause of the Tuesday morning crash is still unclear, officers say in most cases, the e-bike rider has been at fault.
“A lot of people don’t realize is that when they’re out riding on the streets you have to follow the same rules as any other vehicle,” Ashley Limardo with the St. Pete Police Department said.
St. Pete police said this is a hazard for everyone out on the roads.
“If you were to see a car going down the wrong way you would be in fear for your life and that’s kind of the same thing when it comes to a bike. Sure it’s smaller, but it can cause the same amount of impact,” Limardo said.
Police remind riders that e-bikes are allowed on the streets only when the motor is running. And while these bikes are becoming more common, officers say it’s crucial for users to understand the rules.
“E-bikes can only go up to 28 miles per hour. If that bicycle can go past or over 28 miles per hour, it is now considered an electric motorcycle and there are different rules for that. For an electric motorcycle you would need it registered, you need insurance for it, and you need a valid driver’s license,” Limardo said.
Kyle Simpson with Forward Pinellas is working to eliminate all traffic-related deaths and serious injuries. It says right now it is updating its Safe Streets Pinellas plan to include e-bikes.
“Everything in transportation comes around to speed. People on the sidewalk don’t like bikes on the sidewalk because of the speed differential and there’s people biking or on the sidewalk because the cars are going so much faster than them. So, we’re trying to carve out space for each mode, so everyone feels safe,” Simpson said.
“Now that it’s getting dark out sooner, it’s important to wear reflective gear because not all streets are lit up properly. It’s a very good thing for you to have a front light and a backlight so that you are as visible as possible to the drivers,” Limardo said.
St. Pete police said they’ve done educational operations in the past, but moving forward, they will issue tickets if they come across violations.
