South Dakota AAA Urges Bike and E-Bike Safety as Students Head Back to School

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - With summer in full swing and students soon returning to school, AAA is reminding South Dakotans to prioritize bicycle and e‑bike safety as riding activity increases across neighborhoods, trails, and school routes.

National data shows bicyclist fatalities remain near record levels. In 2024, 1,075 cyclists were killed in crashes involving motor vehicles — the third‑highest total ever recorded. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports fatalities have risen 73% since 2010, and nearly 70% of cyclists killed last year were not wearing helmets.

“Summer is an ideal time to enjoy biking, and more students will soon be biking to school, but safety must always come first,” said Shawn Steward, public affairs manager for AAA Club Alliance in South Dakota. “By following basic safety guidelines and staying alert, drivers and riders can help reduce crashes and save lives.”

AAA’s Bike Safety Tips

·         Wear a properly fitted helmet.

·         Use lights, reflective gear, and bright clothing.

·         Obey traffic laws and ride with the flow of traffic.

·         Stay alert for hazards and avoid distractions.

·         Make eye contact with drivers at intersections.

E‑Bike Safety Recommendations

AAA notes a sharp rise in e‑bike‑related injuries nationwide. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports 155,200 emergency‑room visits and 310 fatalities involving e‑bikes from 2017–2024, many involving young riders.

Steward cautioned parents: “E‑bikes shouldn’t be viewed as toys. Depending on their type and top speed, they may not be appropriate for young children.”

AAA recommends:

·         Learn your e‑bike’s controls, power modes, and braking.

·         Follow local regulations and age restrictions.

·         Use extra caution when accelerating or braking.

·         Avoid distractions such as phones or headphones.

·         Yield to pedestrians and be cautious at intersections.

·         Monitor brakes, tires, battery connection, and charging safety.

·         Ensure young riders are supervised and using age‑appropriate e‑bikes.

South Dakota E‑Bike Laws

South Dakota recognizes three classes of e‑bikes:

·         Class 1: Pedal‑assist, up to 20 mph

·         Class 2: Throttle‑assist, up to 20 mph

·         Class 3: Pedal‑assist, up to 28 mph

Key state regulations include:

·         No one under 16 may operate a Class 3 e‑bike.

·         Riders under 18 on Class 3 e‑bikes must wear a helmet; all Class 3 passengers must wear helmets regardless of age.

·         No driver’s license, registration, or insurance is required for e‑bikes meeting state definitions.

·         Class 1 and 2 e‑bikes may use bicycle or multi‑use paths unless prohibited locally.

·         Class 3 e‑bikes may only use certain paths or trails if permitted by the governing entity.

AAA encourages riders to check local rules, as parks, cities, and trail operators may impose additional restrictions.

Safety Reminders for Drivers

·         Watch for cyclists at intersections and turns.

·         Leave at least three feet when passing.

·         Check mirrors and blind spots before opening doors or changing lanes.

·         Never drive distracted or impaired.

·         Follow posted speed limits, especially in neighborhoods.

·         Be patient — cyclists have full rights to the road.

·         Watch for faster‑moving e‑bike riders.

AAA also notes that AAA roadside assistance covers bicycle breakdowns for members at all levels when the bike is on a road accessible to a rescue vehicle.

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