COLUMBIA, Pa. — While pedestrian safety dominated much of Tuesday night’s Columbia Borough Council meeting, a related concern quickly emerged as residents and officials voiced increasing alarm over the growing number of e-bikes and scooters being operated unsafely throughout the borough.

During both public comment and council discussion, residents described what they believe is a worsening problem involving children and teenagers riding electric bikes and scooters without helmets, ignoring traffic laws, and creating dangerous situations for motorists and pedestrians alike.

One resident told council she regularly observes young riders using their phones while operating bikes and scooters through town.

“I’ve seen eight-year-old kids on their bikes with their phone riding their bikes,” the resident said, asking whether additional ordinances or enforcement measures were available to address the problem.

Council members acknowledged the concern and said unsafe behavior involving motorized bikes and scooters has become a frequent topic of discussion.

Several officials recounted incidents involving riders disregarding stop signs, traveling against traffic, and weaving through busy intersections. One councilman stated that some riders have been observed intentionally “playing chicken” with vehicles by riding directly toward cars and waiting until the last moment to move out of the way.

“I’ve seen it, too,” one council member said during the discussion. “They come down the street right at you.”

The concerns extend beyond children.

Council members noted that unsafe scooter and e-bike behavior is not limited to younger riders and that adults have also been involved in accidents and dangerous encounters throughout the borough.

Residents specifically cited riders carrying passengers, operating without helmets, traveling at excessive speeds, and using equipment that lacks proper lighting. Several speakers argued that the popularity of electric transportation has grown faster than public awareness about how and where the devices can be legally operated.

Borough officials acknowledged that enforcement remains a challenge.

According to council members, the Columbia Police Department typically has only two officers assigned per shift, making it difficult to actively monitor every neighborhood while also responding to regular calls for service.

“We have two police officers per shift,” one official explained. “It’s hard to control the whole town.”

Despite staffing challenges, council members said police have taken action when serious violations occur.

During the meeting, officials referenced a recent incident in which police reportedly obtained video evidence of unsafe e-bike operation, identified the rider involved, and ultimately confiscated the electric bike.

Council members encouraged residents to report dangerous behavior when they observe it and suggested that video evidence can be helpful when identifying repeat offenders.

Several officials also stressed that parents play a critical role in improving safety.

Some council members questioned why children are being given access to powerful electric bikes and scooters without receiving proper instruction or protective equipment.

“As parents, we need to do a better job,” one council member said while discussing reports of unsafe riding behavior.

The conversation also highlighted broader concerns about traffic safety throughout Columbia.

Council members shared personal stories of witnessing children ride through stop signs, travel the wrong direction on streets, and enter intersections without checking for oncoming traffic. One official recounted having to stop suddenly to avoid a young cyclist who lost control while riding at a high speed.

Residents expressed concern that unless behavior changes, serious injuries are inevitable.

“It’s out of control,” one resident told council. “Somebody’s going to get hurt.”

The discussion came amid larger conversations about pedestrian safety, crosswalks, school walking routes, and traffic enforcement across the borough. Council members repeatedly emphasized that improving safety will require cooperation among police, schools, parents, residents, and riders themselves.

For now, borough officials say awareness and education may be the most effective immediate tools available. However, council members indicated that enforcement efforts will continue when dangerous behavior is identified, particularly in situations involving motorized bikes and scooters operating illegally on public streets.

As electric transportation becomes increasingly common in Columbia, both residents and officials appear to agree on one thing: finding a balance between mobility, recreation, and safety will be an ongoing challenge for the community.