Child suffers major injuries after e-bike collides with car in San Luis Obispo

It’s the kind of news that stops you mid-sip. According to CalCoastNews, a 12-year-old suffered major injuries Saturday after an e-bike collided with a car near De Vaul Park, just off Spooner Drive. That’s a quiet residential corner many of us drive past without a second thought—a place where kids ride to the park, families walk dogs, and the biggest worry is usually parking. Now it’s the site of a serious reminder that our streets are changing faster than our habits.

E-bikes have become a fixture on the Central Coast, and for good reason—they’re fun, eco-friendly, and give kids a sense of freedom. But this incident, where the child reportedly wasn’t wearing a helmet, hits close to home. It’s not about blaming anyone; it’s about how quickly a sunny afternoon can turn. As we head into summer, with more families out and about, this is a gentle nudge to talk with our kids about speed, visibility, and the simple act of buckling up before they zip off. Because our neighborhoods should feel safe for everyone—whether behind the wheel or on two wheels.