The safe operation of e-bicycles and similar vehicles has caught the attention of the Huntington Beach City Council. They are currently examining the matter closely.
On Tuesday night, the council came to a unanimous decision to present a new ordinance to the Huntington Beach Municipal Code regarding bicycle regulations. This would provide the police department with additional measures to tackle reckless riders and ensure safety on the roads.
During a presentation by Huntington Beach Police Sgt. Thoby Archer, it was revealed that the California Vehicle Code underwent an update in 2015 that introduced three different classes of electronic bicycles. One of these classes is the Class 3 e-bikes, which are also known as speed pedelecs. These bicycles are considered the fastest among the three classes and have a maximum speed of 28 miles per hour.
Archer notes that there has been significant progress and innovation in bikes since 2015. He mentions the rise of Sur-Ron type bikes, electric-powered motorcycles, and the fact that the current definitions in the vehicle code have not kept pace with these advancements. As a result, there is a need for an updated law or a framework that offers more local control.
Although the Sur-Ron bikes are incredibly impressive, it’s important to note that they are not street-legal. Back in 2017, e-bikes were prohibited from the bike path in Huntington Beach. However, it is worth mentioning that this ban was lifted in 2021, which is great news for electric bike enthusiasts in the area.
The municipal code of the city has undergone an update that includes a detailed section on electric bicycles and other similar vehicles. This comprehensive coverage empowers HBPD to issue either civil or criminal citations based on the discretion of the officer in charge.
The proposed civil citations would have no impact on a person’s driver’s license. Instead, they would come with a reasonable fine of $125 for the first offense, $250 for the second, and $500 for the third. On the other hand, the criminal citations would require the violator to attend a one-day bicycle safety class or appear in court. The good news is that completing the class would result in the dismissal of the citation.
Mayor Tony Strickland expressed concern about the consequences of issuing a criminal citation to a teenager in response to the e-bike issue in town. He acknowledged the need to address the problem but emphasized the importance of avoiding harsh punishments for minor offenses. Strickland questioned whether a criminal citation is warranted in this situation and clarified that it should not result in serious legal repercussions for young individuals.
In 2022, a man can be seen riding an e-bike near Bluff Top Park in Huntington Beach.
According to Archer, any suggestion related to the code would be considered a violation rather than a grave offense like a misdemeanor or felony.
As per the statement of the concerned person, it is understandable that sometimes a penalty needs to be imposed on younger individuals who may have committed a mistake, but the current penalty of a $400 red light violation seems too harsh. This is where the need for an alternative tool arises. The officer may feel that a $125 citation would be more appropriate considering the nature of the violation.
The new code provides examples of how riding a bicycle can be unsafe. For instance, cycling on a sidewalk without being mindful of pedestrians or going against the traffic flow on a sidewalk, highway, bicycle path, or lane is considered dangerous. It is also hazardous not to give way to vehicles or pedestrians when required by the California Vehicle Code. Additionally, operating a bike in a way that it was not designed for and disregarding posted signs can also lead to unsafe riding.
Other examples of dangerous behavior include riding without a well-fitting helmet if you’re under 18, intentionally popping wheelies, and exceeding speeds of 25 miles per hour or going too fast for the conditions of the road.
According to Archer, the crux of the matter is the safe operation of the bike. He explains that riding a triathlon bike at 40 miles an hour down Edwards Hill may not necessarily be unsafe. However, if the cyclist fails to look out for stop signs and crosses them recklessly, then that is a different story altogether. Safety is key when it comes to operating a bike, and it should always be a top priority for all cyclists.
In the event that a minor is cited or arrested for a violation, the officer has the option to impound the bicycle and take it to the Huntington Beach Police Department. The bicycle can then be retrieved by an adult, as per the protocol.
According to Councilman Dan Kalmick, there are some residents who have expressed concerns through emails. These residents are worried that they might have to take a longer route to avoid riding against the flow of traffic on the sidewalk.
According to Kalmick, he doesn’t want to see people riding their bikes on the wrong side of Beach Boulevard late at night, especially those who are in the middle of the block and have to walk their bike in the wrong direction to reach the next light, which is a quarter-mile away. He emphasized that he doesn’t want people to get bothered for this. Instead, he wants the law to be enforced to deal with hooliganism that has been frequently reported to the council and on the internet. The ultimate goal is to ensure the safety of the residents and protect young people who may not be aware of the proper rules.
This year, bicycle and e-bicycle riders in Huntington Beach have access to a thorough training program offered by the school districts in collaboration with the Huntington Beach Police Department. The program is designed to provide comprehensive bicycle training to ensure safe and responsible riding practices in the community.
During the public comments, Perry Clitheroe, a resident of Huntington Beach, expressed his approval of the newly proposed regulations. As someone who drives his car every day from Huntington Beach to Costa Mesa as part of his commute, he shared that he doesn’t feel comfortable riding his bike due to safety concerns.
On Tuesday, the council conducted a study session concerning the Mobility Implementation Plan of the city.
Clitheroe expressed his frustration with the growing number of bicyclists who ride in the wrong direction. As an avid rider himself, he finds it particularly alarming when he encounters a rider who is going against the flow of traffic. He admits that he feels obligated to take extra precautions, especially when it’s a child on a bike, as it makes him nervous and apprehensive. Clitheroe likens it to playing a risky game every time he takes his bike out for a spin, something that he and his fiancee do not enjoy.
During the upcoming regular City Council meeting on October 3rd, the proposed municipal code changes will undergo a second review. In addition, the panel has requested an emergency ordinance that would allow for the immediate implementation of the changes, provided that the city attorney’s office provides supporting findings by the next meeting.
During a recent City Council meeting, Eric Parra, the Police Chief of Huntington Beach, acknowledged that he receives a significant number of emails about a particular issue. He emphasized that addressing the matter is a top priority for the community and expressed confidence in being able to provide justification for taking necessary action.
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