ENCINITAS, Calif. (KGTV) – As the first day of school began Tuesday in the San Dieguito Union High School District, students opted to ride e-bike wheels instead of the bus as their mode of transportation. District leaders say students will now have to complete a safety course if they plan to ride a bike or e-bike to and from campus.
“It’s not just about following rules, it’s about keeping you safe for the greater good,” says Katie Friedrichs, principal of Oak Crest Middle School.
According to Friedrichs, the school saw a surge in ridership following the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Before COVID, we had about 30 bikes on campus and after that, we had over 200,” she says.
Safety is the educator’s top priority after the community suffered a loss several years ago.
“It’s very important to me,” says Friedrichs. “One of my older son’s friends died on an e-bike here in Encinitas. Since then, it’s been a big concern for me and our families to make sure our kids ride safely.”
Last school year, the San Dieguito Union High School District implemented a new rule that all students must now complete a safety course if they want to ride their bikes to school. Once students complete the course, a sign is placed on the bike to notify school administrators that they have completed the course.
Superintendent Dr. Ann Staffieri says she understands why e-bikes have become so popular with students and families. In June, she even started riding her bike to work.
The district manager also points out that she has taken a safety course and tries to teach students what it means to be safe while cycling.
“I try to teach it through action,” says Staffieri. “When riding a bike to school, you can never be too safe. Be sure to wear a helmet and make sure it fits properly and is buckled. Wear light-colored clothing whenever possible.”
Friedrichs says they have staff checking every day to make sure students are following the rules before they leave campus.
Free courses are offered at each campus as well as in the cities of Encinitas, Oceanside, Carlsbad and Solana Beach.
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