E-bike safety classes held for teens in honor of 14-year-old killed in crash

More than a month after 14-year-old Owen Harris was killed while riding an e-bike in Pacific Beach, families and local leaders gathered Sunday at Pacific Beach Middle School to honor his memory and teach young riders how to stay safe.

The free seminar was organized by the office of San Diego County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer and several local organizations, including the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition. Teens received free helmets and learned about e-bike regulations and responsible riding.

Harris attended Pacific Beach Middle School. He died last month after a car hit him while he was riding his e-bike and turning at a red light. A memorial remains near Olney Street and Balboa Avenue.

Victoria Sachs, a parent who bought her teenage son an e-bike about a year ago, said her family weighed the benefits of giving him more independence against the safety concerns.

Before buying the bike, the family completed online training, attended a safety class and established a contract with rules for riding.