I recently had a hauntingly close call with an e-scooter flying through a 4-way stop in the dark, ignoring traffic rules, and endangering both themselves and others. This incident, while alarming, was lucky to not result in a serious injury. However, this luck may not last, and the possibility of tragic accidents involving these vehicles grows daily.  The more I tell people about my close call, the more feedback I get from others about their concerns or experiences with this same exact thing.  It is this concern, particularly for the safety of our children and community, that drives me to call for action.

Our city of Billings is seeing a surge in the popularity of e-bikes and e-scooters for their environmentally friendly and convenient mode of transportation. Yet, without proper regulations in place, these vehicles present significant safety risks. Several reported cases throughout the state reflect the urgent need for comprehensive regulations.

Implementing a set of sensible regulations is not just a proactive measure but a necessary step to ensure the safety of our citizens. Here are some proposed regulations that I believe the Billings City Council should consider:

1. **Helmet Requirements:** Helmets save lives by significantly reducing the risk of serious head injuries in the event of accidents.
2. **Speed Limits:** Establish and enforce speed limits, especially on trails and in high-pedestrian areas, to reduce the likelihood of high-speed collisions.
3. **Sidewalk Restrictions:** Prohibit riding on sidewalks to safeguard pedestrians, particularly in crowded urban areas.
4. **Equipment Standards:** Introduce guidelines for lighting and reflectors on these vehicles to improve visibility and safety, especially during nighttime operation.
5. **Age Requirements:** Set an appropriate age requirement for the use of e-bikes and e-scooters to ensure riders have the maturity and capability to operate them responsibly and within the rules of traffic that other vehicle drivers are required to follow.
6. **School and Playgrounds Rules:** Ban or limit their use in areas around schools, playgrounds, parks, and other places frequented by children to prevent accidents.

Establishing these regulations will help create a balanced, safe environment where e-bikes and e-scooters can be enjoyed without putting riders or others at risk. By addressing this issue now, we can prevent potential tragedies and promote a community-focused approach to urban transportation.

Join me in urging the Billings City Council to act swiftly in implementing these safety measures. Let us protect our community and uphold our collective safety by signing this petition today. Together, let's make Billings a safer place for everyone.