March Mayor's Corner

E-bikes have quickly become a preferred mode of transportation and recreation for many, including our youth. Local leaders have been grappling with how to manage the overnight proliferation of this new technology without the guidance and continuity of state law or adequate infrastructure for dedicated pathways for travel.

Since it is clear this trend is here to stay, the Newport Beach City Council is taking measures to encourage safer practices for our community. We have adopted new regulations to provide clearer rules, require helmets for all riders under the age of 18 and address unsafe behavior, such as disobeying traffic rules, weaving through traffic, speeding in crowded areas, riding distracted or while using a cell phone, performing stunts, or carrying passengers on bikes not equipped with a second seat. 

The new city regulations also address sidewalk safety for riders and pedestrians alike. E-bikes and bicycles are only permitted on sidewalks where expressly allowed, and riders must slow down and yield to pedestrians at all times. To balance access and safety, the City approved more than 23 miles of sidewalks along major roadways for e-bike use. Residential sidewalks were not included.

The State Legislature has also begun to implement guardrails for the use of e-bikes. Riders under 21 years old must wear helmets, riders of class 3 bikes (up to 28 mph) must be at least 16 years old and modifications of e-bikes to exceed 20 mph or remove pedals are illegal.

Beginning this year, parents can be fined or face penalties for their children’s e-bike safety violations, including riding without helmets or operating unsafe or modified bikes, and all e-bikes must have a red rear reflector or a solid/blinking red light visible from 500 feet, day or night. 

Violations can result in citations, fines or impoundment of the e-bike, and first-time juvenile offenders may be required to attend the Police Department’s diversion program, which educates riders and their parent, about laws and safe riding practices. 

To continue our education efforts, the City will be hosting a free bicycle safety program on Saturday, April 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Newport Elementary School. The Bicycle Rodeo and Safety Fair will consist of an educational presentation and practical application exercises. 

I encourage you to visit https://bit.ly/E-BikeInfo for more information on the City’s regulations and e-bike education programs and to register for the April 18 Bicycle Rodeo event. 

Warmly,

Mayor Lauren Kleiman

IG: lauren4newport
Email: lauren@lauren4newport.com

Mayor Lauren Kleiman is serving her first term as Mayor of Newport Beach.