Above: The schools’ administration made an announcement that impacts how some kids get to and from NSBORO Schools including Southborough K-8 and Algonquin. (images previously posted to school websites)
NSBORO Schools have announced that for safety reasons, e-bikes (electronic bicycles) and e-scooters are no longer allowed on Northborough and Southborough Public School properties.
I followed up to get clarity on whether the ban applies to the campuses even when schools aren’t in session. The answer was yes and no – based on their limited authority.
NSBORO students can’t use e-bikes to attend school, or even school related activities like school sports, clubs, and plays that take place on evenings and weekends.
However (so far) the ban doesn’t technically apply to non-school activities. NSBORO’s administration doesn’t have the authority to ban the public’s use of the equipment for non-students’ access to playgrounds or sports facilities (playgrounds, tennis/pickleball courts, ball fields, etc.) on weekends and evenings for activities like drop-in play or Town sports practices/games.
Below is the announcement from NSBORO Asst. Superintendent of Operations Keith Lavoie:
The safety and well-being of our students and school community is always our top priority. Recently, we’ve seen more electronic bicycles (e-bikes) and scooters around our schools. While these devices are a popular way to get around, they can create safety risks due to their high speeds, limited visibility, and potential danger to riders, pedestrians, and drivers.
After careful review and consultation with the Northborough and Southborough Police Departments, e-bikes and e-scooters are now prohibited on all school campuses. This decision, made out of caution and concern for everyone’s safety, will help prevent accidents and maintain a secure environment for our students and families.
To support this protocol:
- Signs will be posted at every school as a reminder.
- School administrators will work with families to identify safe alternatives for traveling to and from school, including walking, using a traditional bicycle, riding the bus, or drop-off and pick-up by family members.
We appreciate your understanding and partnership as we take this important step to keep our campuses safe and welcoming for everyone.
Thank you for supporting our efforts to protect our school community.
The prohibition was recently announced and shared on Parent Square and by messages to NSBORO families. Some families may have seen the news late last week. Others may have first gotten the word yesterday morning.
In July, Metrowest Daily News published a story about police concerns over e-bike and e-scooter usage. It included Southborough Police Chief Ryan Newell’s concerns about kids observed to be not taking safety seriously enough. You can read that here.
