Since the start of June, Schenectady has recorded 245 incidents involving e-bikes, including about 40 that left someone injured and roughly 11 that damaged property, according to police. Despite the danger, only 7 arrests and 47 tickets have been issued for these violations.

Much of the danger comes from illegal e-dirt bikes, which cannot legally be ridden on city streets. Last week, police seized several of these bikes as part of a growing enforcement push. Schenectady Police Public Information Officer Ryan Macherone says the department is not targeting every e-bike rider, only the ones breaking the law. An e-bike powered by pedals that can be assisted electronically up to 20 miles an hour is legal, according to Macherone, and riders 16 and older can use one for work or leisure.

That distinction matters. A crackdown that punishes commuters and teenagers riding legal, pedal-assisted e-bikes would be unfair and counterproductive. The real threat comes from illegal e-dirt bikes moving quickly through neighborhoods and putting pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers at risk.

Incoming Public Safety Commissioner Thomas Constantine has pointed to Schenectady as a model for other cities to study. He is right, but only if enforcement stays focused on illegal e-dirt bikes and does not sweep up legal riders along the way.

Schenectady residents deserve safer streets, and legal e-bike riders deserve clarity and fairness. Sign the petition to urge Schenectady leaders to keep enforcement targeted at illegal e-dirt bikes, protect legal riders, and set a safety standard other New York cities can follow before more people are hurt.