Temecula Reexamining E-Bike, E-Motorcycle Safety Regulations

TEMECULA, CA — You may have noticed signs prohibiting e-bike riding through Temecula city parks cropping up in January as e-bike ridership increases in Temecula. The city announced Friday it will reexamine safety regulations surrounding the alternative form of transportation.

"E-bikes are emerging as both an efficient mode of transportation and a fun outdoor recreational opportunity that the city whole-heartedly supports, but we need to ensure riders are following the law for their own protection as well as those who travel along the same roads and trails," Temecula Mayor James Stewart said.

Cities across the region are grappling with how to make e-bike transportation safer in their communities. Of particular concern are young riders who lack experience navigating through traffic and are more inclined to engage in reckless behaviors such as ignoring stop signs/traffic signals, riding at excessive speeds in pedestrian areas, crisscrossing roads in front of oncoming traffic and performing stunts in city parks and streets.

Stewart said the city is examining existing laws and exploring additional regulations.

"We'll take a comprehensive approach that includes education and enforcement to ensure the safety of everyone sharing the city's roadways and trail system," he said.

The sheriff's department and Temecula Valley Unified School District are partnering to raise awareness among youth e-bike riders who are traveling to and from school.

"Our goal is to avoid imminent tragedies by engaging with students, and also their parents who are likely unaware that their adolescent child or teenager is riding with little regard for safety; oftentimes illegally and without helmets," said Temecula Police Captain Chris Durham.

Anyone under the age of 18 must wear a helmet on any type of bicycle or e-bike, and Class 3 e-bikes and e-motorcycles require helmets regardless of age.

An ongoing safety campaign targeting TVUSD students dubbed "Caught with your Helmet On" rewards helmeted riders with gift cards. Additionally, local nonprofit Bike Temecula Valley, the TVUSD, and sheriff's deputies are promoting bicycle safety strategies and introducing "Rules of the Road" at school assemblies citywide, according to the city.

The sheriff's department and TVUSD are also implementing a plan that requires students to attend mandatory free instructional classes before being permitted to ride their e-bikes or motorized scooters to and from school and park on campus. The classes would begin with the next school year, according to the city.

The program will educate students about the rules of the road, e-bike laws, helmet safety, interaction with vehicles and pedestrians, and more, according to the city.

All cyclists — e-bike riders included — are subject to the same rules of the road as motorists. Cyclists who do not follow laws are subject to ticketing and fines as defined by the California Vehicle Code and local municipal code.

"If positive engagement, education, awareness and warnings aren't adhered to, parents and their kids can expect that we will cite the rider and impound their e-bike if necessary," Durham said. "This is not punitive; it is literally to save their life."

The subject of e-bike safety will be placed on the next Temecula Traffic Safety Commission meeting agenda for general discussion and direction. Members of the public are welcome to share their comments with the commission. The 6 p.m. Feb. 22 meeting will be held at City Hall, 41000 Main Street.