MISSION VIEJO, CA — The Mission Viejo City Council voted 4-1 Tuesday to approve a new ordinance regulating electric bicycles in an effort to address safety concerns involving riders, pedestrians and motorists.
The ordinance would establish safety and operating requirements for e-bikes, define permissible riding behaviors and give the city additional enforcement tools to address unsafe practices.
The proposed regulations come amid community concerns about reckless riding, conflicts between e-bike users and other road users, and the operation of high-speed or modified devices.
In addition, the ordinance would authorize the impoundment of electric bikes or motorcycles in situations where unsafe use of the bike poses an immediate threat, public safety hazard or involves illegal equipment.
The ordinance must undergo one more reading before the City Council can officially adopt it.
In other business, the council unanimously approved an agreement for a parking lot expansion at the Marguerite Aquatics, Tennis and Recreation Center.
The project is intended to address parking shortages and reduce on-street parking during special events at the recreation facilities and nearby Oso Creek Golf Course.
Funding for the expansion was previously approved as part of the city's fiscal year 2025-26 budget review. The council approved the project's plans and specifications Aug. 25.
The council's next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 8 and will be its final meeting of the year.
City Council meetings are streamed live on the city's website and broadcast on Spectrum Channel 30 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99.
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