This fall, residents across the Commonwealth are returning to their schools and businesses. As a result, longer periods of traffic will stretch into the evening as daylight hours continue to shorten. 

At the same time, our Commonwealth is inundated with commercially available “E-Bikes” and pedalcycles outfitted with motors. These cycles have recently contributed to an increase in accidents and, in some cases, fatalities on our roads, especially in urban communities such as the Greater Philadelphia Metropolitan area and Northeastern Pennsylvania (NEPA), which includes my home constituency of Wilkes-Barre.

Currently, riders of pedalcycles, pedalcycles with electric assist, and motorized pedalcycles are required to equip their cycles with safety equipment, such as a white front light and reflectors, to ensure riders are clearly visible at all times. However, even if enforced, the current provisions only provide for a $10 fine upon conviction of a summary offense. 

In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation in Title 75 to amend the penalty for failing to equip pedalcycles, pedalcycles with electric assists, and motorized pedalcycles with proper safety equipment in an effort to increase compliance with our safety standards.

Most cycles are limited to a top speed of 20 miles per hour, according to PennDOT. However, a single collision with a vehicle traveling at around 35 miles per hour could result in fatal injuries for a person on a cycle.

Please join me in sponsoring this important piece of legislation.