NEW E-bike Safety Program rolling out throughout
San Marcos
The City of San Marcos, San Marcos Unified School District, and San Marcos Sheriff’s Station launch joint collaborative safety campaign to encourage safety when riding, walking and driving
San Marcos, CA, August 12, 2024 – The City of San Marcos, in partnership with the San Marcos Unified School District and the San Marcos Sheriff's Station, is proud to announce the launch of a new e-bike safety program for the 2024-25 school year: Stay Safe San Marcos.
This initiative is part of a broader effort to create a safer San Marcos community by promoting responsible road-sharing practices among e-bike riders, motorists, and pedestrians.
As e-bike usage continues to rise, the need for education and safety measures has become increasingly important. This new program, rolling out during the 2024-25 school year, will focus on the most impacted areas within the community. It includes:
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Mandatory bike and e-bike permit process for students at select SMUSD schools, including Double Peak School, San Elijo Middle School, San Marcos High School, and Mission Hills High School. Students who ride bikes or e-bikes to these schools will be required to obtain a permit by taking an in-person education class led by the Sheriff’s Office with at least one parent/guardian, ensuring that they are equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the roads safely.
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A community-wide education & outreach campaign aimed at safe and responsible road-sharing practices.
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Upcoming updated City ordinance around e-bike riding guidelines.
- Regular safety sweeps by San Marcos Sheriff’s deputies around SMUSD schools to promote safe riding practices.
"The City of San Marcos is excited to introduce this safety program as a crucial step toward promoting safe riding practices for e-bike riders, motorists, and pedestrians. We are proud to work together to improve the safety of our roads," said Michelle Bender, City Manager.
"By working together with the City and the Sheriff's Office, we are committed to ensuring that our young riders are well prepared to enjoy electric bicycles safely, contributing to a safer environment for everyone in our community," said Dr. Andy Johnsen, SMUSD Superintendent.
“Our goal is to ensure the community feels educated and that we are all working toward their best interest. By helping enforce safety practices, we can create a safer San Marcos,” said Captain Kevin Ralph.
September & October classes:
- September 10th at 6 p.m., San Marcos High School Theater
- September 23rd at 5:30 p.m., San Elijo Middle School PAC
- September 24th at 6 p.m., Mission Hills High School Library
- October 8th at 6:00 p.m., Mission Hill High School Library
- October 22nd at 6 p.m., Double Peak School Gym
To learn more about the program, visit www.san-marcos.net/e-bikes.
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About the City of San Marcos:
The City of San Marcos is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all its residents by promoting safety, sustainability, and community engagement. Through various programs and initiatives, the city strives to create a vibrant and thriving community where everyone can live, work, and play safely.
About the San Marcos Unified School District:
The San Marcos Unified School District (SMUSD) is one of the top five school districts in San Diego County, providing an unparalleled educational experience. SMUSD operates 19 schools and serves over 19,000 students annually. Led by Superintendent Dr. Andy Johnsen and a five-member Governing Board, together they seek to cultivate an engaging and supportive environment by retaining the region’s top educators, where students are challenged, inspired, and poised to excel.
About the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office:
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to maintaining public safety through community partnerships and proactive policing. The office works closely with local communities to ensure a safe and secure environment for all residents.