You just can’t address major safety issues by only saying: “parents need to parent.” As a dad to two young children I fully agree with that statement in general. However, as a person who has spent the majority of his life serving the public, it is government’s job to protect children, protect the public and deal with major nuisances that affect the overall safety and well-being of communities.
Parents have a legal duty in California to protect their children. When they fail to do so, the government can step in. It’s called the California Penal Code.
The government can also force parents to parent. I deal with this concept daily in the criminal justice system.
I think we should ban e-bikes from all elementary and middle schools in the Santa Clarita Valley. I also think e-bikes should be banned from paseos and walk paths. They are dangerous. Children have been severely injured or died. Some have suffered major head trauma. Pedestrians have died. Deputies have been injured trying to deal with this problem. There is sadly also a gang mentality on occasion when multiple kids ride e-bikes in groups. They also cause major fights between children and adults. Some of these fights have resulted in injuries and criminal charges.
Parents should get cited $2,000 if a child rides an e-bike on city streets with no driver’s license, no helmet and no insurance. The e-bike should be impounded for a month. Once retrieved after paying a fee, parents must sign a waiver saying they will be civilly and criminally liable if their child breaks these rules again and someone is hurt or killed.
It is sad that children, parents, walkers, e-bike riders, runners, etc., can’t peacefully coexist and respect each other and the community. When it becomes a major safety issue, government must step in for the betterment of all of us. That isn’t just a parent’s responsibility. It’s everyone’s responsibility. We are a community.
Jonathan Hatami
Santa Clarita
