Irvine resident Beth Black, a credentialed educator and social ecologist, has proposed a comprehensive safety strategy for e-bikes and e-motos. Black, who is the founder of the Bellemont Project, suggests that current responses to safety concerns are often fragmented and risk misdirecting efforts.
Her proposal acknowledges the work of young advocates like 12-year-old Alex Guess, who has called for "rules, knowledge and safer places to ride" for young riders. Black notes that many machines alarming parents and police are not legal Class 2 or Class 3 e-bikes, but rather illegal out-of-class e-motos that exceed state speed or power limits, or lack fully operable pedals. California’s Attorney General has warned about these vehicles. Black states that classifying all such vehicles as "e-bikes" can lead to policies that overregulate lawful riders while failing to address the sources of the greatest danger.
The Bellemont Project’s Six-Point Plan forms the core of Black’s strategy. It focuses on Compliance Motivation, Consumer Awareness, Policies and Communications, Informed Enforcement, Infrastructure Improvements, and Developing E-Biking as a Sport. Black encourages community leaders to consider these six areas before implementing new regulations. Key questions include whether safer conduct is motivated, if parents are purchasing appropriate vehicles, if agencies communicate consistently, if law enforcement understands the scope of what they encounter, if young riders have safer infrastructure, and if opportunities exist for youth who enjoy bikes and competition to build skills constructively.
Black’s approach is influenced by developmental psychologist Dr. David Yeager’s work on motivating young people. Yeager's research highlights how young individuals respond to status, respect, and social reward. Black suggests that adults adopt a "mentor mindset" to support young people in finding constructive paths, rather than solely relying on punishment or bans. She points out that teens can be influenced by online content that glorifies reckless riding, and that simple rules may not be prioritized when excitement or peer influence is present.
Black is inviting parents, elected officials, educators, law enforcement, public health professionals, and community leaders to engage with the Bellemont Project for proactive safety strategies. She also specifically invites Alex Guess and other young riders to contact her, aiming to advocate for safe spaces where youth can practice skills and build community, diverting them from dangerous traffic environments like freeways. The goal is to protect pedestrians, motorists, and families while respecting young riders as part of the solution.
