Orange County\u2019s Latest Wave of E-Bike Crackdowns<\/a>]<\/p>\nNewport Beach Increases Penalties for E-Bikes<\/p>\n
City council members in Newport Beach unanimously approved new city regulations that limit riding e-bikes on certain city sidewalks, require helmets for riders under 18 years old and provide additional penalties for violations by minors.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe main things here that we\u2019re bringing are clarifying our additional enforcement efforts, our additional diversion efforts for people who are riding unsafely,\u201d Councilmember Michelle Barto said during the council\u2019s meeting on Nov. 4. \u201cI\u2019m really appreciative of all the conversations we\u2019ve had with the end result being focused on enforceability.\u201d<\/p>\n
Newport Beach\u2019s updated regulations also outline a process for police officers to impound e-bikes.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m especially encouraged by the enhanced penalties and the impoundment, especially in relation to minors and getting their parents involved,\u201d Councilmember Robyn Grant said at the meeting. \u201cI do believe in many ways this is a family issue, making sure that proper precautions are taken when giving a minor an e-bike and allowing them to use it on the streets.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mayor Joe Stapleton said he\u2019s also a cyclist and referenced the recent collisions and fatalities as additional reasons why action is needed.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a huge, monumental effort by the entire team \u2014 from our first responders, our police, our firefighters, our entire staff,\u201d he said at the meeting. \u201cWe had an accident on PCH last week. There was a fatality on Coast Highway in Huntington Beach a couple weeks ago. This is an issue that is near and dear to my heart.\u201d<\/p>\n
Councilmember Erik Weigand said the updated regulations are a work in progress.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m hopeful that these changes will change some of the behavior,\u201d he said. \u201cI hope this gives the tools and the keys to the police department to be able to enforce some of that behavior a little bit more. This is kind of a work in progress \u2014 we\u2019ll see how this impacts and changes the behaviors.\u201d<\/p>\n
Irvine Officials to Study Increased E-Bike Regulation<\/p>\n
In Irvine, city council members have initiated a study process to determine the best approach to keep e-bike riders, pedestrians and motorists safe on the streets.<\/p>\n
During the council\u2019s meeting on Nov. 12, council members voted unanimously to direct staff to bring back recommendations for the council to discuss how they can regulate e-bikes without overstepping state law.<\/p>\n
The discussion was brought forward by Mayor Larry Agran.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re in the midst of a full-blown crisis that is not soon to go away,\u201d he said during the meeting. \u201cI regard this discussion as an opening hearing on the matter. I expect, in the new year, we\u2019ll be holding a number of hearings on this issue because it\u2019s emerging as one of our chief challenges.\u201d<\/p>\n
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E-bikes outside an Irvine bike store Calif. on Dec. 7, 2022. Credit: AMIR GHANI, Voice of OC<\/p>\n
Representatives from the Irvine Police Department said the 13 to 16-year-old age range is involved in about half of all bicycle collisions. Of those collisions, 69% involved an e-bike, officials added.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur local efforts, while necessary, can only go so far,\u201d Irvine Police Chief Michael Kent said at the meeting. \u201cThe ultimate solution is a comprehensive, state-wide legislative effort that provides us with a clear understanding of e-bike laws, but also provides us with the legal authority to regulate and enforce e-bike violations within our community. In my opinion, this is the way that will provide a sustainable and lasting solution to this very complex matter.\u201d<\/p>\n
Earlier this year, local legislators \u2014 Assemblymembers Laurid Davies (R-Laguna Niguel) and Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach) \u2014 each got some of their e-bike bills signed into law, which regulate modifying the speed of the vehicles and require reflectors to be mounted on them.<\/p>\n
[Read: Cracking Down E-bikes: Orange County\u2019s Battle for Safer Roads<\/a>]\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\nStill, Agran agreed with Kent that more state action is necessary.<\/p>\n
In the meantime, Agran added, local law enforcement should still up their enforcement efforts.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy observation is that half or more of the operators of e-bikes, as well as the scooters, don\u2019t wear helmets,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019d like to see dramatically stepped up enforcement, citing each and every one of those \u2014 making it real clear that we\u2019re determined to protect kids from themselves and their irresponsible parents.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kent said city staff should be able to return with recommendations for council consideration in either December or January.<\/p>\n
Councilmember Betty Martinez said the city shouldn\u2019t only rely on enforcement and punishment, especially for children who might not know better.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it takes a lot of initiatives and a lot of collaboration \u2014 it\u2019s not going to be enforcement only, it\u2019s going to be education, community outreach, collaboration and partnerships,\u201d she said. \u201cIt does take a village to make sure a kid grows healthy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Angelina Hicks is the Voice of OC Collegiate News Service Editor. Contact her at ahicks@voiceofoc.org or on Twitter @angelinahicks13.<\/p>\n
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