Anne Arundel Police Launch Operation C.A.R.E. for Electric Rider Safety
The initiative prioritizes education for families and students over citations while addressing a rise in high-speed incidents involving unregistered vehicles.
By Benjamin Mahmoud ·
Anne Arundel County police launched Operation C.A.R.E., or Community Awareness & Rider Education, on Thursday to address growing safety concerns regarding electric vehicles.
The department cited a recent increase in high-speed riding on sidewalks and reckless behavior on community trails. Officers also noted a rise in unlicensed minors operating powerful, unregistered e-motos on public roads without protective gear.
The campaign emphasizes education and working directly with families rather than issuing immediate citations. Police stated that enforcement remains an option, particularly for repeat violations.
School resource officers will provide information to middle and high school students. Police officers and county park rangers will conduct patrols in parks and on trails to speak with young riders and answer questions.
The department plans to distribute information to local retailers to help parents understand the specifications of the products they purchase. Some parents believe they are buying low-speed, pedal-assist bicycles, while certain models can reach speeds comparable to dirt bikes and are legally classified as unregistered motorcycles.
Police stated that unlicensed minors cannot legally operate high-powered e-motos on public roads, sidewalks, or county parks and trails. The initiative follows the death of 14-year-old Ryan Beales in a crash on Robinson Road in Severna Park. Neighbors in the area raised concerns about e-motos and called for additional rules and enforcement after the accident.
Source: WMAR-TV
