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High School Student Dies in Electric Bike Accident in Arlington Heights According to Police Reports

High school student Samuel Alfaro was fatally involved in an electronic bicycle accident at the intersection of South Reuter Drive and West Grove Street, located in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

High school student from Rolling Meadows dies in electric bike accident in Arlington Heights,...
High school student from Rolling Meadows dies in electric bike accident in Arlington Heights, according to police reports.

High School Student Dies in Electric Bike Accident in Arlington Heights According to Police Reports

In the quiet town of Arlington Heights, Illinois, a tragic incident occurred on Monday night. 17-year-old Samuel Alfaro, a member of the Rolling Meadows High School soccer team, lost his life in a collision involving an ebike.

Samuel, a resident of Mount Prospect, was riding an ebike when he failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of South Reuter Drive and West Grove Street. The ebike collided with a pickup truck, but fortunately, the driver of the truck was not injured.

The accident has sparked concern among local authorities. Palatine Police Chief David Brandwein and the Arlington Heights Board of Trustees have expressed their worries about the power and weight of ebikes, leading to the approval of ordinances to regulate their use.

In Arlington Heights, ebikes are banned from the sidewalk, and high-speed ebikes (20 to 28 miles per hour) are not permitted for riders under 16 years old. These new regulations aim to ensure the safety of all road users.

Mike Geigel, owner of Never Ending Cycles in Streamwood, agrees with the new restrictions. He urges parents to educate themselves about ebikes before buying them and recommends purchasing them from a bike shop rather than department stores or the internet.

Samuel's friend, Angel Lopez, described him as being like a brother to him. His father, John Alfaro, shared that they had come to the U.S. for a better life for their sons. The family is devastated by the loss.

The accident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety, particularly when it comes to ebikes. Police are urging parents to talk to their teens about ebike safety and reminding all riders that helmets can save lives.

As the popularity of ebikes continues to rise, it is crucial that safety measures are in place to protect all road users. Our thoughts are with Samuel's family and friends during this difficult time.

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