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In 2024, there were 1,655 crashes involving pedestrians or bicyclists Connecticut. Each of these crashes was preventable. Do your part to share the road. Stay alert in pedestrian-heavy areas and near bike lanes to prevent any more needless tragedies.

#WatchForMeCT #pedestriansafety #PedestrianDeaths
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Anna Stern of Watch for Me CT recently spoke at the CT Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Summit, held at Rentschler Field in East Hartford. She discussed the importance of e-bike safety and associated laws, which has become an increasingly popular topic as they continue to gain popularity.

Visit ow.ly/7ir250XCYaw for more information to maximize safety along with fun!

#WatchForMeCT #ebikes #EBikeSafety
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Anna Stern of Watch for Me CT recently spoke at the CT Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Summit, held at Rentschler Field in East Hartford. She discussed the importance of e-bike safety and associated laws, which has become an increasingly popular topic as they continue to gain popularity.

Visit https://ow.ly/7ir250XCYaw for more information to maximize safety along with fun!

#WatchForMeCT #EBikes #EBikeSafety

Light the way before you walk! Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) alert drivers that you're crossing and can boost yielding rates up to 98%. Use them โ€” theyโ€™re there for your safety!
๐Ÿšถ Push the button to activate the lights.
๐Ÿ‘€ Look left, right, and left again to be sure all cars have stopped.
๐Ÿšด Cyclists should activate the signal too.

#WatchForMeCT #RRFB
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Light the way before you walk! Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) alert drivers that youre crossing and can boost yielding rates up to 98%. Use them โ€” theyโ€™re there for your safety!
๐Ÿšถ Push the button to activate the lights.
๐Ÿ‘€ Look left, right, and left again to be sure all cars have stopped.
๐Ÿšด Cyclists should activate the signal too.

#WatchForMeCT #RRFB

Alcohol impairment was a factor in 40% of all pedestrian fatalities in 2023, accounting for 2,899 deaths, according to the National Safety Council. If youโ€™ve been drinking or using any substance, use a ride share service or call a taxi so everyone can get home safely.

#WatchForMeCT #DrunkDriving
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Alcohol impairment was a factor in 40% of all pedestrian fatalities in 2023, accounting for 2,899 deaths, according to the National Safety Council. If youโ€™ve been drinking or using any substance, use a ride share service or call a taxi so everyone can get home safely.

#WatchForMeCT #DrunkDriving

Shauna Devlin is just one of many pedestrians who have been lost to traffic violence. Learn more about the movement Shauna inspired and what you can do to prevent needless tragedies on our roadways: ow.ly/tC1i50XzNzR

#WatchForMeCT #ghostshoes #pedestriansafety
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Shauna Devlin is just one of many pedestrians who have been lost to traffic violence. Learn more about the movement Shauna inspired and what you can do to prevent needless tragedies on our roadways: https://ow.ly/tC1i50XzNzR

#WatchForMeCT #GhostShoes #PedestrianSafetyImage attachmentImage attachment+5Image attachment

This week, weโ€™re recognizing Older Driver Safety Awareness Week. Age-related changes in vision, mobility and reaction time can influence driving, but with the right strategies, older adults can stay safe and independent behind the wheel. Learn more: ow.ly/3tMw50XzNzE

#AARP #WatchForMeCT #OlderPedestrianSafety
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This week, weโ€™re recognizing Older Driver Safety Awareness Week. Age-related changes in vision, mobility and reaction time can influence driving, but with the right strategies, older adults can stay safe and independent behind the wheel. Learn more: https://ow.ly/3tMw50XzNzE

#AARP #WatchForMeCT #OlderPedestrianSafety

โšก๐Ÿšฒ Is Your Child Ready for an E-Bike?
E-bikes are becoming super popular โ€” but before buying one for your child, here are a few things to think about ๐Ÿ‘‡

๐Ÿ”น Age & Rules:
In Connecticut, kids under 16 canโ€™t ride Class 3 e-bikes unless theyโ€™re a passenger. Thereโ€™s no age limit for Class 1 or 2, but keep in mind โ€” Class 2 e-bikes have throttles, making them ride more like a small motorcycle.

๐Ÿ”น Skill & Development:
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most kids under 10 donโ€™t yet have the judgment or coordination to navigate roadways safely โ€” and even older kids need practice before handling higher speeds.

๐Ÿ”น Size & Handling:
E-bikes are heavier and faster than regular bikes, which can make them tough for younger riders to control.

๐Ÿ’ก Parent Tip:
If your child is new to biking or still learning, start with a regular bike first. Itโ€™s safer and helps build the confidence and control theyโ€™ll need later on.

#WatchForMeCT #EBikes #EBikeSafety
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โšก๐Ÿšฒ Is Your Child Ready for an E-Bike?
E-bikes are becoming super popular โ€” but before buying one for your child, here are a few things to think about ๐Ÿ‘‡

๐Ÿ”น Age & Rules:
In Connecticut, kids under 16 canโ€™t ride Class 3 e-bikes unless theyโ€™re a passenger. Thereโ€™s no age limit for Class 1 or 2, but keep in mind โ€” Class 2 e-bikes have throttles, making them ride more like a small motorcycle.

๐Ÿ”น Skill & Development:
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most kids under 10 donโ€™t yet have the judgment or coordination to navigate roadways safely โ€” and even older kids need practice before handling higher speeds.

๐Ÿ”น Size & Handling:
E-bikes are heavier and faster than regular bikes, which can make them tough for younger riders to control.

๐Ÿ’ก Parent Tip:
If your child is new to biking or still learning, start with a regular bike first. Itโ€™s safer and helps build the confidence and control theyโ€™ll need later on.

#WatchForMeCT #EBikes #EBikeSafety

Is your child ready for an e-bike? Amy Watkins of Watch for Me CT returns to review the key factors parents should consider before they buy an e-bike. Learn more โžก๏ธ ow.ly/k81Y50XynvR

#WatchForMeCT #ebikes
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Amy Watkins of Watch for Me CT is back with a buyer-beware message. If you are thinking of buying an e-bike this holiday season, do your homework. Make sure the bike is technically an e-bike as defined by state law. More information on the regulations impacting e-bikes in Connecticut: ow.ly/FvO650XymmA

#WatchForMeCT #ebikes
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As the old saying goes, practice makes perfect. Take some time this week to walk the neighborhood with your child to make sure he or she knows how to stay safe.

#WatchForMeCT #pedestriansafety #winnieandwally
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As the old saying goes, practice makes perfect. Take some time this week to walk the neighborhood with your child to make sure he or she knows how to stay safe.

#WatchForMeCT #PedestrianSafety #WinnieAndWally

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us! ๐Ÿฆƒ๐Ÿ
We're thankful for the communities we serve and everyone working to make our streets safer.
This holiday season, letโ€™s all look out for one another, whether on foot, on wheels, or behind the wheel.
Stay safe, stay seen, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving! ๐Ÿšถโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿšดโ€โ™‚๏ธ ๐Ÿš—

#WatchForMeCT #Thanksgiving #Thankful
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Happy Thanksgiving from all of us! ๐Ÿฆƒ๐Ÿ
Were thankful for the communities we serve and everyone working to make our streets safer. 
This holiday season, letโ€™s all look out for one another, whether on foot, on wheels, or behind the wheel.
Stay safe, stay seen, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving! ๐Ÿšถโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿšดโ€โ™‚๏ธ ๐Ÿš—

#WatchForMeCT #Thanksgiving #Thankful

If you are gifting an e-bike this holiday season, make sure to remember a helmet โ€” especially one designed for higher speeds.

#WatchForMeCT #ebikes #helmets
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E-bikes are rising in popularity among all ages. However, there are different requirements for e-bike riders of different ages. Children under the age of 16 may operate e-bikes with:

๐Ÿ” Maximum speeds of 20mph
๐Ÿšด Motors activated by pedaling
๐Ÿ”† Lights and reflectors on all sides

Parents should also use discretion when determining if their child is ready for an e-bike. Every child develops differently, and these vehicles require strong coordination and quick decision-making due to their increased speed and power.

#CTDOT #EBikes
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๐Ÿ›ดThinking of getting an e-scooter?
Connecticutโ€™s updated laws have a more specific definition of what counts as an electric scooter, so make sure you know before you buy or ride!
To qualify as an electric scooter in CT, it must:
โš–๏ธWeigh 100 lbs or less
๐Ÿ›ž Have 2 or 3 wheels + handlebars
๐Ÿช‘ Be rideable seated or standing
โšก Use both electric & human power
๐Ÿšซ Max out at 20 mph on flat pavement

E-scooters are a fun, efficient way to get around, especially in cities, but not every motorized ride qualifies under the law. Do your homework before hitting the road.

#WatchForMeCT #EScooters
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๐Ÿšถ๐Ÿšง Pedestrian Refuge Islands are small safe zones in the middle of busy roads that help you cross one lane at a time.

These islands give you a secure spot to pause, making crossing easier and safer, especially for older pedestrians or anyone who walks more slowly.

According to FHWA, studies show they cut pedestrian crashes by 56%, a proven way to make our streets safer for everyone.

#WatchForMeCT #pedestrianrefuge
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๐Ÿšถ๐Ÿšง Pedestrian Refuge Islands are small safe zones in the middle of busy roads that help you cross one lane at a time.

These islands give you a secure spot to pause, making crossing easier and safer, especially for older pedestrians or anyone who walks more slowly.

According to FHWA, studies show they cut pedestrian crashes by 56%, a proven way to make our streets safer for everyone.

#WatchForMeCT #PedestrianRefuge

Our Ghost Shoes documentary is a powerful reminder of how urgent pedestrian and bicyclist safety really is.
As we honor those lost, we remain committed to building safer streets for everyone. ๐Ÿšถโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿšดโ€โ™‚๏ธ Watch the video here: ow.ly/JM8c50XmE7Z

#WatchForMeCT #ghostshoes
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Our Ghost Shoes documentary is a powerful reminder of how urgent pedestrian and bicyclist safety really is.
As we honor those lost, we remain committed to building safer streets for everyone. ๐Ÿšถโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿšดโ€โ™‚๏ธ Watch the video here: https://ow.ly/JM8c50XmE7Z

#WatchForMeCT #GhostShoes

Can you ride your e-bike on a bike trail? The answer depends on the type of e-bike:

๐ŸŸ Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on trails (surfaced and natural).
๐ŸŸ Class 2 e-bikes may be ridden on surfaced trails only, unless permitted by local ordinance.
๐ŸŸ Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited on trails.

All other regulations are determined on a town-by-town basis. Municipalities also have the authority to regulate whether bicycles and
e-bikes can be used on sidewalks through local ordinances. Please check your local laws for more information.

#WatchForMeCT #ebikes #biketrails
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Can you ride your e-bike on a bike trail? The answer depends on the type of e-bike:

๐ŸŸ Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on trails (surfaced and natural).
๐ŸŸ Class 2 e-bikes may be ridden on surfaced trails only, unless permitted by local ordinance.
๐ŸŸ Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited on trails.

All other regulations are determined on a town-by-town basis. Municipalities also have the authority to regulate whether bicycles and
e-bikes can be used on sidewalks through local ordinances. Please check your local laws for more information.

#WatchForMeCT #EBikes #BikeTrails

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Children aren't born understanding the rules of the road! As you walk your neighborhood, explain to your child, even toddlers in strollers, why we stop at crosswalks, what a stop sign means and how looking both ways keeps us safe.

#WatchForMeCT #PedestrianSafety
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Children arent born understanding the rules of the road! As you walk your neighborhood, explain to your child, even toddlers in strollers, why we stop at crosswalks, what a stop sign means and how looking both ways keeps us safe.

#WatchForMeCT #PedestrianSafety

The World Day of Remembrance honored the millions of people killed and injured on roads each year. Here in Connecticut, we came together to remember the 248 people who were killed on our roads since last November, as well as the thousands who were injured. Thank you to the speakers who bravely shared their stories and to everyone who attended for offering their love, support and solidarity.

#WatchForMeCT #WDoR #TrafficViolence
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๐Ÿšจ Itโ€™s Crash Responder Safety Week ๐Ÿšจ
Every day, first responders risk their lives to help crash victims. This includes many people walking and biking on Connecticut roads.

Letโ€™s protect those who protect us. When you see an emergency vehicle assisting someone up ahead:
โœ… Slow down
โœ… Move over
โœ… Stay alert

Safer roads start with all of us! #WatchForMeCT #FirstResponder #SlowDownMoveOver
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๐Ÿšจ Itโ€™s Crash Responder Safety Week ๐Ÿšจ
Every day, first responders risk their lives to help crash victims. This includes many people walking and biking on Connecticut roads.

Letโ€™s protect those who protect us. When you see an emergency vehicle assisting someone up ahead:
โœ… Slow down
โœ… Move over
โœ… Stay alert

Safer roads start with all of us!   #WatchForMeCT  #FirstResponder #SlowDownMoveOver
3 weeks ago

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We had a wonderful World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims yesterday, despite the terrible weather. Thank you to everyone who made it possible!
Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC Luke Roux Foundation Inc Gears in Heaven Connecticut Highway Safety Capitol Region Council of Governments - CRCOG Connecticut Childrenโ€™s Community Health Charlie Proctor Memorial Fund
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We had a wonderful World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims yesterday, despite the terrible weather.  Thank you to everyone who made it possible! 
Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC Luke Roux Foundation Inc Gears in Heaven Connecticut Highway Safety Capitol Region Council of Governments - CRCOG Connecticut Childrenโ€™s Community Health Charlie Proctor Memorial FundImage attachmentImage attachment+Image attachment

Photos from Gears in Heaven's post ... See MoreSee Less

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Photos from Capitol Region Council of Governments - CRCOG's post ... See MoreSee Less

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Thank you to all the attendees of the 2025 World Day of Remembrance held Sunday at Walnut Hill Park in New Britain. While the weather wasn't ideal, the love, support and advocacy for road traffic victims kept us warm, as did the surprise rainbow at the end. ๐ŸŒˆ A special thank you to the Conte, Hermann and Forlastro families for sharing their stories.

In addition to supporting the victims and survivors of traffic violence, we also gathered to advocate for change to make our roadways safer. Our priorities include:

โžก๏ธCalling on the Connecticut General Assembly to follow in the footsteps of states like Washington and Virginia and implement intelligent Speed Assistance Devices for drivers who continue to drive recklessly or at dangerous speeds.

โžก๏ธCalling on those tasked with enforcing the law statewide to use their discretionary powers to impose stricter penalties on those who violate the law, including little used mechanisms like the Vulnerable Road User and Endangerment of a Highway Worker fines.

#WatchForMeCT #WorldDayOfRemembrance #WDOR2025
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Thank you to all the attendees of the 2025 World Day of Remembrance held Sunday at Walnut Hill Park in New Britain. While the weather wasnt ideal, the love, support and advocacy for road traffic victims kept us warm, as did the surprise rainbow at the end. ๐ŸŒˆ A special thank you to the Conte, Hermann and Forlastro families for sharing their stories.

In addition to supporting the victims and survivors of traffic violence, we also gathered to advocate for change to make our roadways safer. Our priorities include:

โžก๏ธCalling on the Connecticut General Assembly to follow in the footsteps of states like Washington and Virginia and implement intelligent Speed Assistance Devices for drivers who continue to drive recklessly or at dangerous speeds.

 โžก๏ธCalling on those tasked with enforcing the law statewide to use their discretionary powers to impose stricter penalties on those who violate the law, including little used mechanisms like the Vulnerable Road User and Endangerment of a Highway Worker fines.

#WatchForMeCT #WorldDayOfRemembrance #WDOR2025Image attachmentImage attachment+5Image attachment

Today marks World Day of Remembrance. Join us today at 1 p.m. at Walnut Hill Park in New Britain as we honor the memories of people who've lost their lives to traffic violence and advocate for change to keep our roadways safer.

#WatchForMeCT #WDOR #TrafficViolence
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Today marks World Day of Remembrance. Join us today at 1 p.m. at Walnut Hill Park in New Britain as we honor the memories of people whove lost their lives to traffic violence and advocate for change to keep our roadways safer.

#WatchForMeCT #WDOR #TrafficViolence

E-Bikes are fun, but they are more like cars than traditional bicycles. Parents considering e-bikes for their children, especially children under the age of 16, should consider:

๐Ÿ›‘Is my child developmentally ready to physically control a fast-moving e-bike?
๐Ÿ›‘Is my child old enough, and mature enough, to understand the rules of the road?
๐Ÿ›‘Does my child have a bike helmet that is designed for fast-moving e-bikes (NTA-8776 certified)?

#WatchForMeCT #ebikes #EBikeSafety
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E-Bikes are fun, but they are more like cars than traditional bicycles. Parents considering e-bikes for their children, especially children under the age of 16, should consider:

๐Ÿ›‘Is my child developmentally ready to physically control a fast-moving e-bike?
๐Ÿ›‘Is my child old enough, and mature enough, to understand the rules of the road?
๐Ÿ›‘Does my child have a bike helmet that is designed for fast-moving e-bikes (NTA-8776 certified)?

#WatchForMeCT #EBikes #EBikeSafety

๐Ÿš—๐Ÿ’บIt's National Seat Belt Day! (Nov 14)
Wearing a seat belt is one of the easiest ways to stay safe on the road.
โš ๏ธ Cuts your risk of death in a crash by 45%
โš ๏ธ Most crashes happen close to home, so buckle up even for short distances
โš ๏ธ Wear it whether you're riding in the front or back seat
No matter how short the trip, ALWAYS buckle up!

#WatchForMeCT #BuckleUp
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๐Ÿš—๐Ÿ’บIts National Seat Belt Day! (Nov 14)
Wearing a seat belt is one of the easiest ways to stay safe on the road.
โš ๏ธ Cuts your risk of death in a crash by 45%
โš ๏ธ Most crashes happen close to home, so buckle up even for short distances
โš ๏ธ Wear it whether youre riding in the front or back seat
No matter how short the trip, ALWAYS buckle up!

#WatchForMeCT #BuckleUp

๐ŸšจNew Term Alert: Motor-Driven Cycle๐Ÿšจ

Some vehicles you thought were e-bikes or e-scooters might actually be classified as motor-driven cycles, and the rules are different. No DMV registration is required, but you must have a valid driverโ€™s license.
A motor-driven cycle is:

โ˜‘๏ธSeat height of at least 26""
โ˜‘๏ธMotor under 50cc or 3,700 watts or less
โ˜‘๏ธIncludes bicycles with attached motors and motor scooters, but not e-bikes* or e-scooters
โ˜‘๏ธAlso includes certain one-wheeled vehicles with footrests or floorboards

๐Ÿ“ŒIf your ride fits this description, make sure you're licensed to operate it!

*E-bikes must fit into one of the three classes as defined by law.

#WatchForMeCT #EBikes #MotorDrivenCycle
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๐ŸšจNew Term Alert: Motor-Driven Cycle๐Ÿšจ  

Some vehicles you thought were e-bikes or e-scooters might actually be classified as motor-driven cycles, and the rules are different. No DMV registration is required, but you must have a valid driverโ€™s license.
A motor-driven cycle is:

โ˜‘๏ธSeat height of at least 26
โ˜‘๏ธMotor under 50cc or 3,700 watts or less
โ˜‘๏ธIncludes bicycles with attached motors and motor scooters, but not e-bikes* or e-scooters
โ˜‘๏ธAlso includes certain one-wheeled vehicles with footrests or floorboards

๐Ÿ“ŒIf your ride fits this description, make sure youre licensed to operate it!

*E-bikes must fit into one of the three classes as defined by law.

#WatchForMeCT #EBikes #MotorDrivenCycle

We are so honored that Erin Hermann will join us this Sunday at the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, being held in New Britain at Walnut Hill Park from 1-2:30.Congratulations to our Volunteers of the Month Erin and Larry Hermann! Erin and Larry contacted MADD back in 2018, after losing their son Kyle in a drugged driving crash. Pretty much immediately, they wanted to do all they could to prevent this type of tragedy from happening to others. Only 8 months later, they started sharing Kyleโ€™s story at our Victim Impact Panels. The courage and strength that takes is unimaginable. Since then, they have spoken at countless impact panels, schools, businesses and press conferences. They have manned tables for us at National Night Out and the Boat Show up at Mohegan Sun. They have been there to support any and every event they can possibly attend. Larry has shown up at our lobby days and events to recruit new volunteers, just to support us. Erin has leant her experience and knowledge to creating and presenting a seminar on Grief for our victims and survivors. And their advocacy does not stop at the state level. They have been worked hard in the War Room with our National Office on the Halt Act to stop impaired driving all together. We wish we never had to meet you both in the way that we did, but we are glad you found your way to MADD Connecticut so we could be a small part in how you honor Kyle every day. ... See MoreSee Less

We are so honored that Erin Hermann will join us this Sunday at the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, being held in New Britain at Walnut Hill Park from 1-2:30.

Join us on Sunday in New Britain to honor victims of traffic violence in Connecticut and advocate for change. ... See MoreSee Less

Join us on Sunday in New Britain to honor victims of traffic violence in Connecticut and advocate for change.

โšก๐Ÿšฒ Thinking About Buying an E-Bike This Holiday Season?

E-bikes are a fun and eco-friendly way to get around โ€” but before you buy, make sure what youโ€™re getting is actually a legal e-bike in Connecticut โœ…

Hereโ€™s what to look for:
๐Ÿ”น Labeling: All e-bikes must show their class, max speed, and wattage.
๐Ÿ”น Power limit: The motor must be under 750 watts.
๐Ÿ”น Speed:
โ€ข Class 1 & 2 โ†’ max 20 mph
โ€ข Class 3 โ†’ max 28 mph
๐Ÿ”น Throttle: Only Class 2 e-bikes can have one โ€” and they canโ€™t go faster than 20 mph with it.
๐Ÿ”น Pedals: Must be fully functional โ€” even if it has a throttle!

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘ง Thinking of getting one for your child? Make sure theyโ€™re ready for it. If itโ€™s their first bike, start with a traditional one and work up from there.

#EBikeSafety #CTSafeRoads #RideSmart
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โšก๐Ÿšฒ Thinking About Buying an E-Bike This Holiday Season?

E-bikes are a fun and eco-friendly way to get around โ€” but before you buy, make sure what youโ€™re getting is actually a legal e-bike in Connecticut โœ…

Hereโ€™s what to look for:
๐Ÿ”น Labeling: All e-bikes must show their class, max speed, and wattage.
๐Ÿ”น Power limit: The motor must be under 750 watts.
๐Ÿ”น Speed:
 โ€ข Class 1 & 2 โ†’ max 20 mph
 โ€ข Class 3 โ†’ max 28 mph
๐Ÿ”น Throttle: Only Class 2 e-bikes can have one โ€” and they canโ€™t go faster than 20 mph with it.
๐Ÿ”น Pedals: Must be fully functional โ€” even if it has a throttle!

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘ง Thinking of getting one for your child? Make sure theyโ€™re ready for it. If itโ€™s their first bike, start with a traditional one and work up from there.

#EBikeSafety #CTSafeRoads #RideSmart
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