As a concerned resident, avid runner and cyclist, I'd like to draw attention to an alarming situation prevalent throughout Central Florida; reckless, dangerous behavior involving students driving mopeds and e-bikes to and from school causing distress and posing a serious threat to pedestrians, runners, dog walkers, and cyclists on local sidewalks and bike trails while this behavior is taking place. Not to mention the fact that a majority of student drivers do not wear helmets and habitually weave within roadway traffic and parking lots making it extremely dangerous for vehicle drivers as well. This issue has transformed what should be safe spaces for outdoor activities into hazardous zones.

In order to curb this dangerous trend, I strongly urge Orange County to work with Orange County school system to develop and implement a comprehensive moped and e-bike driver safety program; a program that would be mandatory for all students, as well as their parents, to take and pass before any authorization to drive either a moped or e-bike to school is granted.

Together, we can strive to make Central Florida sidewalks and bike trails safe for everyone wanting to enjoy them throughout the day.  We need to proactively address this public safety issue BEFORE either a student or anyone on the bike trail/sidewalk is seriously injured. Please join me in making this request for the development of a moped and e-bike mandatory student driver safety program a reality. This collective effort is essential to prevent avoidable accidents and ensure the safety of our community. Please sign this petition.