Robert Rieber Obituary, Death – The California Highway Patrol (CHP) in the Santa Cruz area has identified 78-year-old Robert Rieber of Soquel as the man who died in an electric bicycle crash near Watsonville on Wednesday afternoon.
According to CHP reports, Rieber had been riding a Specialized Level Three electric bike heading east on Manfre Road, located just east of Larkin Valley Road near Highway 1. At an undetermined speed, he veered off the roadway and collided with a dirt embankment on the southern side of Manfre Road.
Emergency responders arrived at the crash site around 1:32 p.m. Unfortunately, Rieber was pronounced dead at the scene by medical personnel. Authorities are still working to understand what caused the crash, including whether speed, mechanical issues, or possible impairment due to drugs or alcohol were contributing factors. The investigation is ongoing.
CHP Capt. Jason Grimm issued a public reminder emphasizing that cyclists, including those riding electric bikes, are legally required to follow the same rules of the road as drivers. This includes observing traffic signals, maintaining appropriate speeds for road conditions, yielding when necessary, and keeping a safe distance from other vehicles.
“Following these laws is crucial to preventing accidents,” Grimm noted. He added that the CHP’s mission is to ensure the highest standards of safety, service, and protection for all road users.
Electric bikes, which tend to have faster acceleration than traditional bicycles, come with added risks if not handled with care. CHP officials advise riders to take precautions such as practicing in areas with designated bike lanes or low traffic, always wearing helmets, avoiding distractions, wearing reflective or brightly colored clothing, and taking e-bike training courses before regular use.
The Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency also offers additional guidance for safe e-bike use on its website at SantaCruzHealth.org. Officials encourage new riders, particularly seniors, to familiarize themselves with these safety measures to help prevent future tragedies like this one.
As investigators continue to look into what led to Rieber’s fatal crash, the CHP is also using the incident as a broader reminder of the importance of safety and responsibility when operating electric bikes on public roads.
