Safety for all our community members continues to be a top priority for the village of River Forest. Due to the increased popularity and use of e-scooters and e-bikes around our community, our village board recently passed an ordinance that mirrors state laws to increase safety – especially for our children. We also want to ensure that all pedestrians, bicyclists, those who use e-scooters and e-bikes, as well as motorists, can safely coexist on our sidewalks and roadways and avoid or prevent any accidents by becoming familiar with these guidelines.
For those who may not be aware, River Forest is a non-home rule community, which means we are required to adhere to all state laws and mandates, including regulations related to the use of e-scooters and e-bikes. In other words, the village cannot make rules stronger than the state’s, so when you hear our work described as “slow progress,” it is the only progress we are allowed to make in this case.
We believe the current state law can be strengthened to provide more clarity, increased protection for our children, and greater uniformity of enforcement. The village is working with our state representatives to address this, and I hope the Wednesday Journal will help us in that pursuit.
In the meantime, and as a reminder, children under the age of 16 should not be using Class 3 e-bikes, and those who ride e-scooters (low speed or high speed) must be at least 18 years of age. All e-scooters and e-bikes must have lights on at night, and no e-bikes or e-scooters are allowed on our sidewalks. Riders should always be aware of pedestrians, drivers, and traditional bike riders.
I ask that all parents become familiar with these rules and share them with your children. It takes a village to ensure our kids are safe, and it will also help out our police department.
You can view more comprehensive information about the many aspects these safety guidelines include at vrf.us/EbikesEscooters. If you have questions, please contact our police department at 708-366-7125.
And, as usual, please sign up for our e-newsletter for up-to-date information on the village.
Thank you.
Cathy Adduci
River Forest village president