Santa Cruz Schools Launch E-Bike Safety Program for Middle Schoolers

New permit system requires students to complete training course before parking e-bikes on campus.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:41pm

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A bold, graphic grid of stylized e-bike components in neon colors, conceptually representing the surge of e-bike use and the need for safety education among young riders.A vibrant pop art celebration of the growing popularity of e-bikes among Santa Cruz's youth, balanced by the city's efforts to promote safe riding behaviors.Santa Cruz Today

Santa Cruz City Schools is launching a new e-bike safety program this spring that will require middle school students to complete a three-part training course in order to receive a permit to park their e-bikes on campus. The course covers e-bike laws, controlled skills practice, and a supervised group ride. The program is a partnership between the school district, city, police, and local nonprofit Ecology Action, aimed at encouraging safe e-bike riding behavior among young students.

Why it matters

As e-bike use has surged in Santa Cruz, especially among middle and high school students, the city has seen an increase in unsafe riding behaviors like running red lights and riding on the wrong side of the road. This new program is an effort to educate young e-bike riders on the rules of the road and promote responsible, predictable riding to prevent accidents and keep the community safe.

The details

The e-bike safety course will consist of three parts: a 45-minute classroom session on e-bike laws and safety, a 30-45 minute controlled skills course on the school blacktop, and a 45-minute supervised group ride through a neighborhood. Students will need to complete all three parts to receive a permit allowing them to park their e-bikes on campus. The program will be offered multiple times per year to accommodate students who purchase e-bikes throughout the school year.

  • The e-bike safety program will kick off in May 2026.
  • Courses will be offered during and outside of school hours.
  • The program will continue quarterly to accommodate new e-bike purchases.

The players

Santa Cruz City Schools

The school district launching the new e-bike safety program for middle school students.

City of Santa Cruz

Partnering with the school district on the e-bike safety initiative.

Santa Cruz Police Department

Collaborating with the school district and city on the e-bike safety program.

Ecology Action

A local sustainability nonprofit that developed the curriculum for the e-bike safety course.

Claire Gallogly

The city's principal transportation planner, who has received concerns about unsafe e-bike riding by students.

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What they’re saying

“I think we're seeing a huge amount of change right now. I'm thrilled to see that it's working, … right now we're really looking to meet that moment.”

— Claire Gallogly, Principal Transportation Planner, City of Santa Cruz

“There's a good amount of enthusiasm and excitement. We're all seeing and hearing it's a need.”

— Casey O'Brien, Director of Student Services, Santa Cruz City Schools

What’s next

The school district plans to provide the e-bike safety courses quarterly to accommodate students who purchase e-bikes during the school year. The program may eventually be extended to high school students as well.

The takeaway

This new e-bike safety program in Santa Cruz is an innovative approach to educating young riders and promoting responsible e-bike use, which has become increasingly popular but also raised concerns about unsafe behaviors. By partnering with the city, police, and a local nonprofit, the school district is taking proactive steps to keep students and the community safe.