Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutG.12 - 2026-06-09 Bicycle Ordinance PresentationPURPOSE OF TONIGHT'S DISCUSSION Provide direction to staff regarding the preparation of a bicycle ordinance applicable to all bicycles, including electric bicycles. Discussion Topics: • Current California law • Local authority and limitations • Regulations adopted by other cities • Potential ordinance provisions • Next steps Key Question: Should Grand Terrace adopt local regulations to address these concerns? Why This Item Is Before Council? •Increased public concern regarding bicycle and e-bike activity. •Complaints involving sidewalks, parks, and parking lots. •Growth in e-bike usage statewide. •Review of options available to improve pedestrian safety. •Request for policy direction from the City Council. Policy Question: How should the City address these concerns while preserving bicycle use for transportation and recreation? CALIFORNIA ALREADY REGULATES BICYCLES State Law Already Covers:✓Stop signs✓Traffic signals✓Direction of travel✓Right-of-way✓Night lighting✓Helmet requirements✓Roadway operation This ordinance is not intended to regulate roadway operations. Already governed by the California Vehicle Code. What is Open for Local Regualtion What State Law Does NOT Specifically Address •Sidewalk operation •Park operation •Parking lot operation •Local unsafe conduct standards Local agencies must address safety concerns in areas such as sidewalks, parks, and parking lots. CALIFORNIA E-BIKE CLASSIFICATIONS Class 1 – Pedal assist only – 20 mph Class 2 – Throttle capable – 20 mph Class 3 – Pedal assist – 28 mph Additional State Requirement: •Motor under 750 watts •Under 18 helmet required •Class 3 helmet required •Class 3 riders must be at least 16 This ordinance would regulate conduct, not bicycle classification. WHAT CAN CITIES REGULATE? Cities CAN✓Sidewalks✓Parks✓Parking lots✓Unsafe operation✓Pedestrian areas Cities CANNOT✗Bicycle classifications✗Equipment standards✗Registration✗Licensing✗State traffic laws WHAT ARE OTHER CITIES DOING? Redlands Unsafe operation Manhattan Beach Sidewalk restrictions Huntington Beach Speed limits San Marcos Youth restrictions Santa Barbara Pedestrian zones Most cities regulate behavior and pedestrian conflicts—not bicycle ownership. WHY NOT JUST RELY ON STATE LAW? State Law •Stop signs •Traffic signals •Direction of travel •Right-of-way •Lighting •Helmet requirements •Roadway operation Local Ordinances •Sidewalk operation •Parks •Parking lots •Unsafe conduct •Wheelies / stunts •Pedestrian conflicts •Local enforcement State law governs roadway operations. Local ordinances address pedestrian-oriented areas and unsafe conduct. WHERE ARE CONFLICTS OCCURRING? Sidewalks •Pedestrians •Driveways •Visibility •Parks •Playgrounds •Events •Walkers Parking Lots •Vehicles •Pedestrians •Limited sightlines STAFF RECOMMENDATION Focus on conduct rather than bicycle type. Potential Ordinance Provisions: •No bicycle operation on sidewalks •No bicycle operation in City parks •No bicycle operation in City-owned parking lots •Establish standards for safe operation Regulate unsafe conduct regardless of whether the bicycle is traditional or electric. STAFF RECOMMENDATION •Location •Sidewalks •City parks •City-owned parking lots •Safety •Compliance with traffic controls •Prohibition on handheld device use •Conduct •Wheelies and stunts •Unsafe speeds •Weaving through pedestrians •Riding against traffic EXAMPLES OF PROHIBITED CONDUCT Operation •Unsafe speeds •Riding against traffic •Weaving through traffic Dangerous Use •Handheld device use •Improper passengers •Standing on handlebars or seats Exhibition Riding •Wheelies •Jumps •Tricks NEXT STEPS If Directed: •Draft ordinance •Draft resolution •Public review •Return to Council REQUESTED ACTION Provide direction to staff regarding preparation of an ordinance regulating bicycle operations within the City of Grand Terrace, including electric bicycles. Potential Direction: 1. Proceed with ordinance preparation 2. Modify proposed scope 3. Take no action Questions?