Notice Regarding Prohibited Motorized Vehicles/Devices at FPS
Dear FPS Families,
At Fairfield Public Schools, the safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priorities. Over the past months, our community and many others across the country have seen a rise in serious accidents involving electronic transport, such as e-bikes and e-scooters.
To protect our students, effective immediately, motorized vehicles/devices including but not limited to e-bikes, e-scooters, pedal-assist units, mopeds, and motorcycles are completely prohibited on school grounds at any time for anyone under the age of 16 who does not possess a valid Connecticut driver’s license.
Please review the following policy guidelines and consequences with your children:
- School Property Restrictions: Only individuals who are at least 16 years of age and possess a valid Connecticut driver’s license required to operate their device may bring a motorized device onto school property. Even then, operation is limited to roadways and designated parking areas. Motorized devices are prohibited on playgrounds, sports fields, grassy areas, sidewalks, bike racks, and all other areas of school property.
- Confiscation and Suspension: If a student brings a prohibited motorized device to school, a family member will be required to pick it up, and the student will receive an automatic in-school suspension.
- Reckless Riding and Legal Consequences: Any violations of applicable traffic laws will be referred directly to the Fairfield Police Department.
While we understand that students may choose to utilize these motorized devices outside of school hours, recent local incidents underscore how quickly they can become dangerous, especially if ridden improperly or modified for excessive speed. I strongly urge families to discuss safe riding practices and to utilize safer, alternative forms of transportation, such as standard bicycles.
Last year, the Fairfield Safe Streets Alliance hosted a panel for families focused on motorized devices. The panel included ER doctors, police and fire representatives, and bike safety experts. You can watch a recording of the event for helpful tips and information on keeping children safe while riding bikes, e-bikes, and other motorized devices.
Thank you for your support in keeping our school community safe.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Testani
Fairfield Public Schools Superintendent