Last week’s tragic loss of a middle schooler in Scotch Plains is every parent’s nightmare and just weeks after another youth on an e-bike was hospitalized after a collision. These incidents highlight the danger many of us already see on our own streets right here in Westfield. E-bikes and escooters are powerful machines, capable of reaching speeds of 20 mph or more, and yet they are often ridden by children with no license, no training, and who are still too young to comprehend the risks. Nationwide, demand for e-bikes has surged: more than one million were sold in the U.S. in 2022, nearly four times the number in 2019. In New Jersey, Rutgers has noted “the e-bike boom” as a growing challenge for our streets and transportation future. Here in Westfield, our Town Council recently took the important step of banning e-bikes and e-scooters from our park paths and trails. That was a start, but it does not address the greatest danger: unlicensed children operating these motorized bikes on our public roads, mixing with cars, trucks, and pedestrians. We must go further, not alone, but in partnership with our residents, law enforcement, and our neighboring towns. This requires a comprehensive effort petitioning our state leaders to enact a policy given state law precedent that limits municipal jurisdiction. Acknowledging the Broader Issue Residents in our community have powerfully expressed that this is not just about youth on e-bikes, this is a multifaceted issue that includes safer infrastructure and driver accountability. I agree. Proven measures such as beacon lights and visibility improvements must also be part of the solution. However, with youth demand for e-bikes rising sharply, I believe that is where we must begin.