Regarding Mark Perryman’s Dec. 5 letter, I fully agree with his concerns regarding current state laws that allow powerful e-bikes to be sold with minimal oversight, prioritizing the profit of industrial manufacturers over the safety of our youth.
I have personally witnessed children racing through traffic and performing dangerous stunts at high speeds in crowded public areas, often directly in traffic lanes.
The Department of Motor Vehicles provides a safety pamphlet on proper bicycle operation, and it is essential that parents review this information with their children. Young riders must be guided away from hazardous maneuvers that could result in life-altering injuries, including spinal cord trauma leading to lifelong wheelchair dependence, severe head injuries resulting in vegetative states or even death.
Each time I see a child unaware of the risks, I find myself praying for their safety. It is deeply concerning that the California Department of Transportation permits the widespread use of high-powered e-bikes among youth, seemingly placing corporate interests above public welfare. This lack of accountability must be addressed. Our county and state must act urgently to protect young lives.
Manijeh Fatollahi
Westlake Village
