McClure Student Dies in Riding Accident

 Very sad news to report via The Seattle Times:

Boy, 14, dies after crashing on electric bike at I-5 Colonnade Park 

The teenager was riding down steep stairs at the mountain bike park underneath Interstate 5 in the Eastlake neighborhood when he lost control and fell, police said. 

(To note, SPD has amended their investigation to say it was an electric motorcycle (e-moto. "E-motos are not allowed to be used in Seattle Parks, though they are increasingly common" according to Seattle Bike Blog.)

According to the Times, the boy was wearing a bike helmet but SPD says he should have been wearing a motorcycle helmet given the bike's tire size and its speed. 

I believe from reporting on Facebook that the boy was a McClure student. Such a tragedy for family, friends, and the school community. 


Investigators determined the teen was riding a motorized electric bike down the staircase when he lost control and fell, suffering deadly injuries. 

The staircase, which connects the Eastlake neighborhood to Capitol Hill, spans 13 flights and 388 steps and is considered Seattle’s longest public staircase.
Police emphasized that while Colonnade Park includes mountain bike features and riding areas, the Howe Street staircase is intended for pedestrians. 

"Those stairs are meant to walk up and walk down, and not to ride bikes or skateboards or anything else," Detective Pritchard said. "We recommend that you stay in those designated areas that are meant for skateboards and bikes."

The FOX 13 story has information about a new law for e-vehicles that just went into effect just weeks before this accident. 

"There’s a massive, dangerous difference between a low-speed pedal-assist bike and a high-powered electrical motorcycle," Croson said.

He said parents should understand the capabilities of the vehicles before purchasing one for a child.

"If you’re getting one of these for your child, you’ve got to realize that this vehicle can travel more than 20 miles an hour," Crowson said. "It’s considered a motorcycle, which is not a toy that you’re buying for your child."

No e-bikes or electric scooters of any kind are allowed in Seattle Parks, including the skills trails in I-5 Colonnade Park, unless they are on roads or multi-use trails.

I also recently saw footage of a restaurant in West Seattle that has outdoor tables in front of it. A worker from the restaurant came out of the front door to collect some plates from a table and was knocked down by a boy on an e-scooter. Luckily, she was just bruised. She did not look both ways but the safety issue really was on the boy to not speed on a sidewalk on any kind of bike. The owner said he looked about 12 and rode away. 

Parents, please do your research BEFORE you give your child any kind of vehicle. As well, teach them rules of the road. 

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