17-year-old Injured in Capitola E-Bike Crash with a Semi

Staying Safe on Bikes and E-Bikes: Lessons from a Capitola Crash

Biking is one of the best ways to get around Santa Cruz County. It’s healthy, eco-friendly, and just plain fun. And with e-bikes becoming more popular, more people than ever are riding instead of driving. But with that increase in riders comes the need for more awareness about bike and e-bike safety.

A recent accident in Capitola highlights how important this is. A 17-year-old riding a Super 73 e-bike was involved in a crash with a semitrailer at the intersection of 41st Avenue and Clares Street. While details are still limited, we know that the driver of the truck was not impaired and stayed at the scene, and that the young rider suffered significant injuries. Police arrived quickly and applied a tourniquet before the teen was flown to a trauma center in serious but stable condition.

This kind of crash is exactly what we need to prevent. And while accidents like this can feel scary, they also give us a chance to talk about how to ride safely—without discouraging people from biking. Because let’s be clear: bikes and e-bikes aren’t the problem. Unsafe road conditions, inattentive drivers, and poor infrastructure often play a bigger role in crashes than the actions of cyclists themselves. But there are things we can all do to make riding safer.

Understanding the Risks

Before we get into the tips, let’s talk about why crashes like this happen. Bikes and e-bikes share the road with much bigger, heavier vehicles, and that means cyclists are at greater risk in a collision. Some of the biggest hazards include:

• Large vehicles and blind spots – Trucks and semitrailers have major blind spots where drivers simply can’t see a cyclist. This is especially dangerous at intersections or when trucks make wide right turns.

• Night riding visibility issues – This crash happened at 8:40 p.m., when it was dark. Visibility is always a concern for cyclists at night.

• Speed differences – E-bikes travel faster than traditional bicycles, which can sometimes lead to miscalculations by both riders and drivers.

• Lack of protected bike lanes – When bikes and cars share the same space without dedicated infrastructure, the risk of crashes goes up.

• Rider inexperience – Many e-bike riders, especially younger ones, don’t have the same experience with traffic as adult cyclists. This can make navigating busy streets more dangerous.

How to Stay Safe on Your Bike or E-Bike

Whether you’re riding for fun, exercise, or transportation, safety should always come first. These aren’t Santa Cruz Bike Accident Laws, but they are some key ways to protect yourself on the road:

1. Be Visible

• Wear bright or reflective clothing, especially if you’re riding at night or in low-light conditions.

• Use lights—front and rear. A white headlight and a red taillight aren’t just a good idea; in many places, they’re required by law.

• Add reflective tape to your bike, helmet, or backpack to increase visibility.

2. Know the Blind Spots of Large Vehicles

• Never assume a truck driver can see you, even if you’re right next to them.

• Avoid riding directly next to or behind large vehicles for extended periods.

• Be extra cautious at intersections, where trucks may turn unexpectedly.

3. Ride Predictably and Follow the Rules of the Road

• Use hand signals to indicate turns and stops.

• Follow traffic signals and stop signs—don’t assume drivers will yield to you.

• Avoid weaving between parked cars or changing lanes unpredictably.

4. Choose the Safest Route

• Whenever possible, ride in bike lanes or on roads with lower speed limits.

• If you’re riding on a street without a bike lane, take the lane when necessary to avoid getting squeezed into dangerous positions.

• Consider alternative routes that might be a little longer but have less traffic or better bike infrastructure.

5. Wear a Helmet

• A helmet won’t prevent a crash, but it can reduce the severity of head injuries if one happens.

• Make sure your helmet fits properly and is in good condition.

6. Ride Defensively

• Assume that drivers might not see you, even when you have the right of way.

• Make eye contact with drivers at intersections to confirm they know you’re there.

• Watch for doors opening from parked cars (“dooring”) and be prepared to react.

7. Stay Alert and Avoid Distractions

• Keep both hands on the handlebars unless signaling.

• Don’t wear headphones or use your phone while riding.

• Watch for road hazards like potholes, gravel, or wet pavement.

8. Know Your E-Bike and Its Capabilities

• E-bikes are heavier and accelerate faster than traditional bicycles. That means stopping distances can be longer.

• Be aware of your bike’s speed and braking power, especially when riding in traffic.

• If you’re new to an e-bike, practice riding in a safe area before taking it on busy streets.

What Drivers Can Do to Keep Cyclists Safe

While cyclists have a responsibility to ride safely, drivers also play a huge role in preventing crashes. Here’s what motorists can do:

• Check blind spots before turning or changing lanes. Cyclists can be hard to see, especially in low-light conditions.

• Give bikes at least three feet of space when passing. It’s the law in many places and just common sense everywhere.

• Be patient. Slowing down for a few seconds to let a cyclist pass safely won’t ruin your day, but it could save a life.

• Look before opening car doors. “Dooring” is a leading cause of bike crashes.

• Avoid distractions. Put the phone down and pay attention to the road, especially in areas with lots of cyclists.

Advocating for Better Bike Infrastructure

Personal safety measures are important, but the best way to prevent crashes is to build roads that are safer for cyclists. Cities need to do more to protect people who choose to ride bikes, including:

• Adding more protected bike lanes and bike-friendly intersections

• Improving street lighting for better nighttime visibility

• Implementing better traffic-calming measures to slow down cars in areas with lots of bike traffic

• Educating both drivers and cyclists about how to share the road safely

We need to push for these changes at the local level. If you live in the Central Coast area, supporting organizations like MOVE SB, Bike SLO County, Bicycle Monterey, and Bike Santa Cruz County can help make a difference.

Final Thoughts

The Capitola crash is a tragic reminder that bike and e-bike safety isn’t just about personal responsibility—it’s about creating a system that protects all road users.

We shouldn’t let crashes like this scare us away from riding. Instead, we should use them as motivation to ride smarter, demand better infrastructure, and educate both cyclists and drivers on how to coexist safely.

Bikes and e-bikes are a huge part of the future of transportation. They’re good for our health, our communities, and the planet. Let’s make sure they’re safe, too. But, if you need a Central Coast Bike Accident Lawyer, we’re here to help.