E-BIKE SAFETY E-bikes — bicycles with electric batteries — can reach speeds in excess of 20 miles per hour, and can weigh up to 40 pounds more than their pedal-powered counterparts. The added speed and weight can result in more serious crashes.

“Every couple of months, a new model comes out that’s faster and more dangerous,” said Ofc. Ryan Miller, of the Mt. Lebanon Police Department’s community outreach unit.  “We just had a crash the other day, and there’s been a lot of concern from the PTAs about e-bike safety.”

Other issues include liability: “Parents buy these bikes for their kids, not knowing that they’re probably going to be held liable for any catastrophic event.”

But the biggest issue Miller sees is that the technology is evolving faster than the laws that govern bikes.

To help educate residents about the dangers, the department is putting together an e-bike rally, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, August 2, at the Mt. Lebanon United Lutheran Church, 975 Washington Road. The rally, geared toward both children and adults, will include a cone course for kids and a table for adults to discuss the latest e-bike developments.

The department is partnering with Pro Bike + Run. “They’re on the cutting edge of the new technology,” Miller said. A Pro Bike technician will be on hand to do free bike safety inspections. Also attending the rally will be representatives from the Mt. Lebanon Fire Department to discuss safety concerns about the bikes’ lithium-ion batteries; paramedics from Medical Rescue Team South Authority, to talk about proper protective equipment and Allegheny County park rangers to discuss the impact the bikes have on trails in the county parks.

Kona Shave Ice and Roaming Bean coffee truck will be at the event.

PACE YOURSELF While we’re on the subject, let’s review the rules about where you can and can’t ride a bike in Mt. Lebanon. You can ride on the road, observing all traffic regulations. In the business districts, Washington, Beverly and Castle Shannon, bikes are prohibited on sidewalks. You can ride on sidewalks in residential areas, but you have to yield the right of way to pedestrians.

MEGAN GUSTINE FOSTER is Mt. Lebanon’s new head racket pro. A 1990 Mt. Lebanon High School graduate, Foster went on to coach the Blue Devils from 2018-2020, before moving on to coach both the men’s and women’s teams at Washington & Jefferson College until 2023. She has also worked as a tennis teaching pro at the Oxford Athletic Club in Wexford, and with Upper St. Clair Tennis Development.

She is excited to return to her roots. “Mt. Lebanon has always had a soft spot in my heart,” she said. Foster credits her high school coach, Chuck Stoll, with influencing her career path.

“He really impacted me, to make me the kind of player I am today.”

Foster sees a great opportunity at the racket center, which is located near the recreation center on Cedar Boulevard.

“The tennis industry has made it a lot easier for people to learn the game,” she said. “That gives us, as coaches, a newer outlook on how to deliver that coaching.

“One of the innovations is red ball tennis. The red tennis ball has less compression, so it doesn’t move as fast, and the game is played on a smaller court.

“It’s kind of like a quick start (to learning tennis) for adults. It gives you time to think about your stroke, what you’re going to do with the ball,” said Foster. “Tennis can be intimidating. Learning at full speed, it’s easy to get discouraged.”

Since taking the position in April, Foster has been talking with players to get an idea of what they would like to see. She has introduced cardio tennis, and also live-ball tennis, drills and games set to music. She would like to start having more evening clinics.

“We have beautiful courts, and we have lights. We should be utilizing them.”

She would also like to have more social events, designed to introduce more of the community to tennis.

“I’m happy to be back here,” she said. “Happy to be a part of this environment.”

PUBLIC MEETINGS
All meetings are in the Mt. Lebanon Municipal Building, 710 Washington Road, unless otherwise noted. You may also join all meetings on Zoom. Links and agendas at mtlebanon.org.

CIVIC ENGAGEMENT BOARD  
Wednesday, July 2 and August 6, 6 p.m.

COMMISSION
Tuesday, July 8, July 22 and August 26 Discussion session, 6:30 p.m., Room C; meeting, 8 p.m.

RESILIENCY BOARD 
Wednesday, July 23 and August 27, 6 p.m.

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT BOARD
Wednesday, July 9 and August 13, 6 p.m.

LIBRARY BOARD
Tuesday, July 15, 7 p.m., Room B, Mt. Lebanon Public Library, 16 Castle Shannon Boulevard

MOBILITY & TRANSPORTATION BOARD
Tuesday, July 1 and August 5, 6 p.m.

PARKS & RECREATION BOARD
Wednesday, July 16 and August 20, 6 p.m.

PLANNING BOARD
Tuesday, July 15 and August 19, 7 p.m.

ZONING HEARING BOARD
Thursday, July 10 and August 7, 7 p.m.