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UGA, Athens-Clarke County Partner on E-Bike Safety Research

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. ke-county-partner-on-e-bike-safety-research.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, January 30th 2026 at 10:35 GMT by Athens Banner-Herald
      Locales: Georgia, UNITED STATES

ATHENS, GA - January 30, 2026 - The University of Georgia (UGA) and Athens-Clarke County (ACC) have announced a collaborative research project aimed at comprehensively understanding and mitigating the safety challenges posed by the rapidly growing popularity of electric bikes (e-bikes) within the city. The initiative, unveiled Tuesday, will leverage local accident data to identify key risk factors and inform future policy and infrastructure developments.

The surge in e-bike usage over the past several years has presented a unique set of challenges for cities nationwide. While offering an eco-friendly and efficient transportation alternative, the increased presence of e-bikes on roadways and shared paths has raised concerns about pedestrian safety, interactions with traditional cyclists, and potential conflicts with motor vehicles. Athens-Clarke County is no exception, experiencing a noticeable rise in both e-bike ridership and, consequently, related incidents.

Dr. Emily Carter, a leading transportation researcher at UGA, will spearhead the year-long study. Her team will meticulously analyze crash reports meticulously gathered by the Athens-Clarke County Police Department. "We've seen a significant rise in e-bike use, and with that comes a need to understand how to ensure the safety of riders and everyone else on the road," Dr. Carter explained. "By analyzing these crash reports, we can get a clearer picture of what's contributing to accidents and recommend strategies to prevent them."

The scope of the research extends beyond simply documenting accident frequency. Researchers will delve into the causes of these incidents, investigating contributing factors such as rider experience levels, the adequacy of existing cycling infrastructure (or lack thereof), and the dynamics of interactions between e-bikes and other modes of transport. A key element of the study will be an examination of whether certain e-bike classifications - such as those with higher power output or top speeds - present elevated risk profiles. Environmental factors, including weather conditions, road surfaces, and visibility, will also be considered.

The collaboration is particularly significant given the evolving landscape of e-bike technology and regulations. Initially, e-bikes were often loosely defined, creating ambiguity regarding their classification and operational rules. However, recent legislative efforts across the country, and within Georgia itself, have begun to establish clearer definitions based on motor wattage, top assisted speed, and the presence of a throttle. Understanding how these classifications correlate with accident rates will be crucial for effective policy-making.

Mayor Kelly Girtz has voiced strong support for the UGA-led study, emphasizing the ACC government's commitment to data-driven decision-making. "We're excited to collaborate with UGA on this important initiative," Girtz stated. "The data they gather will be invaluable as we work to create a safer and more accessible transportation system for our community." This commitment suggests that the findings of the research will directly influence future transportation planning, potentially leading to dedicated e-bike lanes, improved signage, and revised traffic regulations.

Beyond infrastructure improvements, the study could also inform educational initiatives aimed at promoting safe e-bike operation. These initiatives could target both riders and pedestrians, emphasizing the importance of helmet use, adherence to traffic laws, and awareness of potential hazards. Furthermore, the research might highlight the need for standardized e-bike safety training programs, particularly for novice riders.

The preliminary findings of the study are anticipated in early 2027, providing ACC officials with timely information to address emerging safety concerns. While the focus is currently on Athens-Clarke County, the methodology and findings could have broader implications for cities across Georgia and the nation grappling with similar challenges. As e-bike adoption continues to grow, proactive research and data-informed policymaking will be essential to ensure the benefits of this innovative transportation mode are realized without compromising public safety. The success of this project could serve as a model for other communities looking to navigate the evolving world of micro-mobility.