City of Batavia Launches Roll Smart: Know the Code. Ride the Road.

Education campaign explains new e-mobility ordinances, emphasizes summer safety
 
BATAVIA, IL (May 14, 2026) — The City of Batavia and the Batavia Police Department are launching a communitywide summer education campaign to help residents better understand Batavia’s new e-mobility ordinances and promote safe riding practices for all bicyclists and riders.

The “Roll Smart: Know the Code. Ride the Road.” campaign will focus on educating the public about the safe and legal use of electric bicycles, e-scooters, micromobility devices, and other wheeled transportation devices throughout the community. The initiative also reinforces broader bicycle safety awareness for riders of all ages as more residents take to local streets, sidewalks, bike paths, and trails during the summer months.

The campaign follows the City’s adoption of new local regulations governing e-mobility devices. The updated ordinances establish where certain devices may be ridden, outline age and safety requirements, and clarify which high-powered devices are prohibited on public property.

“Our goal is education first,” said Batavia Police Chief Eric Blowers. “Many parents and riders may not realize there are important differences between devices that are street-legal and devices that are prohibited on public roads and trails. We want residents to understand the rules, make safe choices, and continue sharing the road responsibly.”

Throughout the summer, members of the Batavia Police Department and the City’s Active Transportation Advisory Commission will appear at community events, including the Batavia Farmers' Market, to share educational materials and answer questions from residents about the new regulations and safe riding practices.

The campaign will also feature a series of social media posts and videos highlighting important rules, safety reminders, and tips for navigating Batavia streets and trails safely. Batavia plans to bring back its popular short-form video reels featuring students from Rotolo Middle School, building on last year’s successful youth-focused outreach efforts.

Topics throughout the campaign will include:

• Differences between e-bikes, e-scooters, and prohibited e-moto style devices
• Helmet and lighting requirements
• Safe riding etiquette on roads and trails
• Sidewalk and roadway restrictions
• Speed awareness and sharing paths responsibly
• Tips for parents to understand appropriate e-mobility devices for children and teens