E-Bike Hazards
Young riders on e-bikes traveling too fast
Santa Cruz Sentinel | LTE
April 21, 2024
Last week this morning I was almost run down not once, but twice by two electronic bicycles, ridden by young people on their way to school, going probably over 20 miles an hour.
While I value and appreciate the ease of transportation afforded by electronic bikes, I think that we need to do something about a speed limit in areas that are primarily pedestrian walkways. It is dangerous to have people going so fast in this natural wonderland!
— Anina Van Alstine, Santa Cruz
April 21, 2024
Last week this morning I was almost run down not once, but twice by two electronic bicycles, ridden by young people on their way to school, going probably over 20 miles an hour.
While I value and appreciate the ease of transportation afforded by electronic bikes, I think that we need to do something about a speed limit in areas that are primarily pedestrian walkways. It is dangerous to have people going so fast in this natural wonderland!
— Anina Van Alstine, Santa Cruz
E-bikes are a step in right direction for transport
Santa Cruz Sentinel | LTE
April 21, 2024
I read about Capitola’s new e-bike rental program here in the Sentinel, and I think it’s an encouraging step in the right direction for Bay Area transport. I live with three other working adults, and the increase in bus service and bike access has made planning weekly commutes much simpler. No more arguing over who gets the car next morning!
This paper sees plenty of heat re. “rail vs. trail.” Whether you’re for bikes or against development, it shows how much the Bay Area cares about its environment, and about providing accessible transport solutions that don’t hurt the planet. I’m proud to be part of a community that cares about that, and I hope to see more commuters reap the rewards like I have.
— Julie Reno, Scotts Valley
April 21, 2024
I read about Capitola’s new e-bike rental program here in the Sentinel, and I think it’s an encouraging step in the right direction for Bay Area transport. I live with three other working adults, and the increase in bus service and bike access has made planning weekly commutes much simpler. No more arguing over who gets the car next morning!
This paper sees plenty of heat re. “rail vs. trail.” Whether you’re for bikes or against development, it shows how much the Bay Area cares about its environment, and about providing accessible transport solutions that don’t hurt the planet. I’m proud to be part of a community that cares about that, and I hope to see more commuters reap the rewards like I have.
— Julie Reno, Scotts Valley
Set up basic safety rules for e-bike riders
Santa Cruz Sentinel Editorial Board
April 21, 2024
Last July in this space, writing about the explosion in popularity of electric bicycles we wrote:
“Is it yet another “get off my lawn” moment for older folks in Santa Cruz County to express alarm at the proliferation of e-bikes among younger people?
“Maybe more like ‘get off my sidewalk.’ ”
What was true nine months ago is more so today, when the proliferation of e-bikes has brought on calls for more regulations mostly aimed at young riders.
Older riders, who adopted e-bikes for recreational cycling over the past decade or so, mostly ride slower and in bike lanes (when lanes are actually there).
Kids, not so much, which has brought complaints from pedestrians and motorists who say riders are going too fast, not riding safely, careening through stop lights or flying down sidewalks.
First, though, consider why parents are buying relatively expensive battery-powered bicycles for their kids.
Traffic jams that now are draped almost all daylight hours on Highway 1 and major thoroughfares make sending kids to school on e-bikes a reasonable alternative. Much less the ever-increasing price of gasoline.
Kids can also get to after-school activities on their bikes, which can get places relatively fast (most e-bikes, which usually weigh in excess of 40 pounds, can attain speeds of 20 mph or even faster) and cover hills that make riding regular bikes more of a chore.
But, as e-bikes become more ubiquitous, encountering riders can also be jarring for pedestrians. If you like to walk oceanside on West Cliff Drive, you know this. Indeed, e-bike traffic has entered into the discussion of making that popular road one-way and enlarging the coastal pathway used by walkers, bicyclists, skaters and ... increasing numbers of e- bike riders.
And there’s more and more e-bikes as an e-bike rental program continues to roll out across Santa Cruz County. The city of Capitola just launched 50 e-bikes and 100 docks earlier this month as part of a countywide partnership with BCycle. The city of Santa Cruz established its part of the program last summer and future plans call for about 660 rental e-bikes across the county.
In that light, the county is considering an ordinance promoting safer e-bike usage in the unincorporated areas of the county. Earlier this month, though, after approving an initial review of the regulations, the county Board of Supervisors delayed implementation and asked it be brought back at the board’s May 14 meeting,
The ordinance would make it illegal to ride an e-bike on a sidewalk in the county, except where there is no bike lane and no pedestrian present. Language in the original ordinance also would have prohibited e-bike rides on paths in county parks unless the route is a bikeway or if posted signs allow this.
In addition, a new e-bike bill was introduced in the state Legislature earlier this year that, if passed, would mean children younger than 12 would be banned from riding e-bikes, and anyone older than 12 on an e-bike would require either a valid driver’s license or proof of passing an e-bike safety course as well as valid photo ID — essentially creating an e-bike license. Similar bills, though, have failed to gain traction among state lawmakers in the past.
We’ll just repeat what we wrote last July: “We’re not in favor of just adding more needless regulations or burdening the majority of e-bike riders with new barriers. But considering the volume of car traffic on local roads, it’s just a matter of time until a helmet-less e-bike rider traveling at excessive speed tangles with a car or truck. The consequences, as with regular bikes, can be dire.”
E-bikes are still bicycles, just heavier and going faster. Setting up a system where young riders learn basic safety and road-sharing rules, in addition to requiring e-bikes be outfitted with lights and bells, would seem to be a sensible solution.
Yes, keep them off pedestrian sidewalks.
And for local governments, please continue to draw up more bike-only lanes on local roadways.
April 21, 2024
Last July in this space, writing about the explosion in popularity of electric bicycles we wrote:
“Is it yet another “get off my lawn” moment for older folks in Santa Cruz County to express alarm at the proliferation of e-bikes among younger people?
“Maybe more like ‘get off my sidewalk.’ ”
What was true nine months ago is more so today, when the proliferation of e-bikes has brought on calls for more regulations mostly aimed at young riders.
Older riders, who adopted e-bikes for recreational cycling over the past decade or so, mostly ride slower and in bike lanes (when lanes are actually there).
Kids, not so much, which has brought complaints from pedestrians and motorists who say riders are going too fast, not riding safely, careening through stop lights or flying down sidewalks.
First, though, consider why parents are buying relatively expensive battery-powered bicycles for their kids.
Traffic jams that now are draped almost all daylight hours on Highway 1 and major thoroughfares make sending kids to school on e-bikes a reasonable alternative. Much less the ever-increasing price of gasoline.
Kids can also get to after-school activities on their bikes, which can get places relatively fast (most e-bikes, which usually weigh in excess of 40 pounds, can attain speeds of 20 mph or even faster) and cover hills that make riding regular bikes more of a chore.
But, as e-bikes become more ubiquitous, encountering riders can also be jarring for pedestrians. If you like to walk oceanside on West Cliff Drive, you know this. Indeed, e-bike traffic has entered into the discussion of making that popular road one-way and enlarging the coastal pathway used by walkers, bicyclists, skaters and ... increasing numbers of e- bike riders.
And there’s more and more e-bikes as an e-bike rental program continues to roll out across Santa Cruz County. The city of Capitola just launched 50 e-bikes and 100 docks earlier this month as part of a countywide partnership with BCycle. The city of Santa Cruz established its part of the program last summer and future plans call for about 660 rental e-bikes across the county.
In that light, the county is considering an ordinance promoting safer e-bike usage in the unincorporated areas of the county. Earlier this month, though, after approving an initial review of the regulations, the county Board of Supervisors delayed implementation and asked it be brought back at the board’s May 14 meeting,
The ordinance would make it illegal to ride an e-bike on a sidewalk in the county, except where there is no bike lane and no pedestrian present. Language in the original ordinance also would have prohibited e-bike rides on paths in county parks unless the route is a bikeway or if posted signs allow this.
In addition, a new e-bike bill was introduced in the state Legislature earlier this year that, if passed, would mean children younger than 12 would be banned from riding e-bikes, and anyone older than 12 on an e-bike would require either a valid driver’s license or proof of passing an e-bike safety course as well as valid photo ID — essentially creating an e-bike license. Similar bills, though, have failed to gain traction among state lawmakers in the past.
We’ll just repeat what we wrote last July: “We’re not in favor of just adding more needless regulations or burdening the majority of e-bike riders with new barriers. But considering the volume of car traffic on local roads, it’s just a matter of time until a helmet-less e-bike rider traveling at excessive speed tangles with a car or truck. The consequences, as with regular bikes, can be dire.”
E-bikes are still bicycles, just heavier and going faster. Setting up a system where young riders learn basic safety and road-sharing rules, in addition to requiring e-bikes be outfitted with lights and bells, would seem to be a sensible solution.
Yes, keep them off pedestrian sidewalks.
And for local governments, please continue to draw up more bike-only lanes on local roadways.
Santa Cruz County e-bike ordinance hits snag
Santa Cruz Sentinel
April 10, 2024
by P K Hattis
www.santacruzsentinel.com/2024/04/10/santa-cruz-county-e-bike-ordinance-hits-snag/
An updated ordinance promoting safer electric bicycle usage in Santa Cruz County was delayed this week as county leaders kick the tires and double check for leaks.
After unanimously approving an initial review of the ordinance at its previous meeting in late March, the county Board of Supervisors pivoted Tuesday and rejected final adoption, electing instead to bring the item back for another preliminary read at its May 14 meeting.
The ordinance takes aim at e-bike usage on pedestrian facilities and would make it illegal to ride an e-bike on a sidewalk in the county, except where there is no bike lane and no pedestrian present. Language in the original ordinance also would have prohibited e-bike rides on paths in county parks unless the route is a bikeway or if posted signage allows it.
Supervisor Manu Koenig, who brought the original ordinance forward alongside Supervisor Zach Friend, requested the pause after he said he heard concerns from the community, particularly from Ecology Action, an environmental nonprofit involved in bicycle advocation and education locally.
“I believe that we are close with this ordinance but I had heard some concerns from folks — particularly Ecology Action, which does a lot of the bike education and outreach in our community — about the part that relates specifically to parks,” said Koenig.
Koenig explained that Ecology Action was worried the ordinance could hinder some of its education activity and also pointed out that some portions of county parks serve as vital connections within the bicycle network. He wants to make sure county staff has enough time to sit down with Ecology Action to see if and where there is an opportunity to establish some park areas as designated bikeways to exclude them from the ordinance.
He also pushed for a more robust public communication effort so residents are aware, for instance, that the new ordinance would apply to county parks and not state parks where many mountain bike trails are located.
Friend said he doesn’t think the delay is necessary and that the ordinance provides enough flexibility and designated authority for County Parks Director Jeff Gaffney to make necessary adjustments after meeting with industry groups, such as Ecology Action.
“To me, the only thing that can happen with these additional discussions would be a watering down of what we’re proposing which would, in my opinion, make it less safe in parks and local areas,” said Friend. “I just think it’s a slippery slope that the board does something and then opens it up for changes and revisions, you know, immediately because an interest group expresses a concern. I’m just concerned about, just sort of that precedent.”
Hesitant to influence the board’s thinking in either direction, Gaffney acknowledged that he thought the ordinance, as written, gave him the tools he needed.
“I do think the authority that was given to us through state statute and through our county ordinance currently as it’s written … gives the director the ability to manage this problem,” said Gaffney. “I think that language is clear to me.”
The ordinance update was drafted, as Friend put it, to create a “regulatory structure” for e-bikes locally as the technology continues to soar in popularity while state authorities scramble to draw up safety adjustments of their own. The bicycles can weigh 40-70 pounds and reach speeds that top out at 20-28 mph.
Koenig and Friend explained at the board’s previous meeting that because e-bikes are defined as personal property — as opposed to vehicles — in state law, the county’s authority is limited, so the ordinance proposal is a way to establish some local safety standards.
Koenig’s motion to restart the ordinance approval process in May was supported by the other supervisors except for Friend, who pushed for final adoption at the meeting Tuesday.
Adjustments to the newly proposed rules come as an e-bike rental program continues to roll out across Santa Cruz County. The city of Capitola celebrated the launch of 50 e-bikes and 100 docks Tuesday as part of a countywide partnership with BCycle. The city of Santa Cruz established its part of the program last summer and future expansions will unfold across the county throughout the summer.
The BCycle program will ultimately establish about 660 rental e-bikes across the county.
April 10, 2024
by P K Hattis
www.santacruzsentinel.com/2024/04/10/santa-cruz-county-e-bike-ordinance-hits-snag/
An updated ordinance promoting safer electric bicycle usage in Santa Cruz County was delayed this week as county leaders kick the tires and double check for leaks.
After unanimously approving an initial review of the ordinance at its previous meeting in late March, the county Board of Supervisors pivoted Tuesday and rejected final adoption, electing instead to bring the item back for another preliminary read at its May 14 meeting.
The ordinance takes aim at e-bike usage on pedestrian facilities and would make it illegal to ride an e-bike on a sidewalk in the county, except where there is no bike lane and no pedestrian present. Language in the original ordinance also would have prohibited e-bike rides on paths in county parks unless the route is a bikeway or if posted signage allows it.
Supervisor Manu Koenig, who brought the original ordinance forward alongside Supervisor Zach Friend, requested the pause after he said he heard concerns from the community, particularly from Ecology Action, an environmental nonprofit involved in bicycle advocation and education locally.
“I believe that we are close with this ordinance but I had heard some concerns from folks — particularly Ecology Action, which does a lot of the bike education and outreach in our community — about the part that relates specifically to parks,” said Koenig.
Koenig explained that Ecology Action was worried the ordinance could hinder some of its education activity and also pointed out that some portions of county parks serve as vital connections within the bicycle network. He wants to make sure county staff has enough time to sit down with Ecology Action to see if and where there is an opportunity to establish some park areas as designated bikeways to exclude them from the ordinance.
He also pushed for a more robust public communication effort so residents are aware, for instance, that the new ordinance would apply to county parks and not state parks where many mountain bike trails are located.
Friend said he doesn’t think the delay is necessary and that the ordinance provides enough flexibility and designated authority for County Parks Director Jeff Gaffney to make necessary adjustments after meeting with industry groups, such as Ecology Action.
“To me, the only thing that can happen with these additional discussions would be a watering down of what we’re proposing which would, in my opinion, make it less safe in parks and local areas,” said Friend. “I just think it’s a slippery slope that the board does something and then opens it up for changes and revisions, you know, immediately because an interest group expresses a concern. I’m just concerned about, just sort of that precedent.”
Hesitant to influence the board’s thinking in either direction, Gaffney acknowledged that he thought the ordinance, as written, gave him the tools he needed.
“I do think the authority that was given to us through state statute and through our county ordinance currently as it’s written … gives the director the ability to manage this problem,” said Gaffney. “I think that language is clear to me.”
The ordinance update was drafted, as Friend put it, to create a “regulatory structure” for e-bikes locally as the technology continues to soar in popularity while state authorities scramble to draw up safety adjustments of their own. The bicycles can weigh 40-70 pounds and reach speeds that top out at 20-28 mph.
Koenig and Friend explained at the board’s previous meeting that because e-bikes are defined as personal property — as opposed to vehicles — in state law, the county’s authority is limited, so the ordinance proposal is a way to establish some local safety standards.
Koenig’s motion to restart the ordinance approval process in May was supported by the other supervisors except for Friend, who pushed for final adoption at the meeting Tuesday.
Adjustments to the newly proposed rules come as an e-bike rental program continues to roll out across Santa Cruz County. The city of Capitola celebrated the launch of 50 e-bikes and 100 docks Tuesday as part of a countywide partnership with BCycle. The city of Santa Cruz established its part of the program last summer and future expansions will unfold across the county throughout the summer.
The BCycle program will ultimately establish about 660 rental e-bikes across the county.
County Supervisors adopt E-bike rules
The Pajaronian
March 29, 2024
by Todd Guild
https://pajaronian.com/county-supervisors-adopt-e-bike-rules/
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved a new ordinance that prohibits E-bikes from most places where pedestrians walk, with some exceptions.
In approving Santa Cruz County Code 9.54, the supervisors expanded the previous rule governing motorized bikes and expanded it to include those with electric motors.
The ordinance came as increasing numbers of people use E-bikes. According to a study by Portland State University, e-bike sales in the United States skyrocketed by 269% between 2019 and 2022.
“We’ve seen a fabulous uptake and adoption of this new type of bike, which can travel anywhere from 20 to 28 miles per hour depending on the type of bike,” said Supervisor Manu Koenig, who brought the item to the board.
They can also weigh between 40 and 70 pounds, double the weight of a traditional bicycle.
“The problem is that 20 to 28 miles per hour is pretty darn fast, especially when people are riding on sidewalks,” Koenig said.
That can pose a hazard for pedestrians and others using the path. Koenig said that his office has received several complaints.
The ordinance—which will come back to the board at the next meeting for adoption—follows a similar proposed state Assembly bill that would prohibit children under 12 from riding E-bikes.
While E-bikes’ status as personal property, and not a vehicle, prohibits officials from requiring licenses, they can regulate where the bikes are allowed.
Under the new rules, E-bike riders in the unincorporated parts of the county cannot use them on sidewalks, unless there is no bike lane and as long as there are no pedestrians.
Koenig said that exception came with the knowledge that many young people use E-bikes.
“We recognize that there are a lot of young riders out there as well, and there’s just simply locations where—especially if there is no bike lane—as parents and community members, we wouldn’t want them riding there,” Koenig said.
Additionally, E-bikes are prohibited from park trails, unless the parks director makes specific exceptions.
Scofflaws face a $100 fine for the first violation, $200 for a second violation within one year and $500 for each additional violation in the same year.
The new rule was welcome news to Michael Lewis of Live Oak, who asked the supervisors to delete the exceptions.
“The sidewalks are designed for pedestrian usage , that’s why they are called sidewalks,” he said.
Jean Brocklebank agreed, saying that she walks nearly every day, and that her disabilities prevent her from dodging oncoming bikes.
“Do we want walkable communities or not,” she asked.
March 29, 2024
by Todd Guild
https://pajaronian.com/county-supervisors-adopt-e-bike-rules/
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday unanimously approved a new ordinance that prohibits E-bikes from most places where pedestrians walk, with some exceptions.
In approving Santa Cruz County Code 9.54, the supervisors expanded the previous rule governing motorized bikes and expanded it to include those with electric motors.
The ordinance came as increasing numbers of people use E-bikes. According to a study by Portland State University, e-bike sales in the United States skyrocketed by 269% between 2019 and 2022.
“We’ve seen a fabulous uptake and adoption of this new type of bike, which can travel anywhere from 20 to 28 miles per hour depending on the type of bike,” said Supervisor Manu Koenig, who brought the item to the board.
They can also weigh between 40 and 70 pounds, double the weight of a traditional bicycle.
“The problem is that 20 to 28 miles per hour is pretty darn fast, especially when people are riding on sidewalks,” Koenig said.
That can pose a hazard for pedestrians and others using the path. Koenig said that his office has received several complaints.
The ordinance—which will come back to the board at the next meeting for adoption—follows a similar proposed state Assembly bill that would prohibit children under 12 from riding E-bikes.
While E-bikes’ status as personal property, and not a vehicle, prohibits officials from requiring licenses, they can regulate where the bikes are allowed.
Under the new rules, E-bike riders in the unincorporated parts of the county cannot use them on sidewalks, unless there is no bike lane and as long as there are no pedestrians.
Koenig said that exception came with the knowledge that many young people use E-bikes.
“We recognize that there are a lot of young riders out there as well, and there’s just simply locations where—especially if there is no bike lane—as parents and community members, we wouldn’t want them riding there,” Koenig said.
Additionally, E-bikes are prohibited from park trails, unless the parks director makes specific exceptions.
Scofflaws face a $100 fine for the first violation, $200 for a second violation within one year and $500 for each additional violation in the same year.
The new rule was welcome news to Michael Lewis of Live Oak, who asked the supervisors to delete the exceptions.
“The sidewalks are designed for pedestrian usage , that’s why they are called sidewalks,” he said.
Jean Brocklebank agreed, saying that she walks nearly every day, and that her disabilities prevent her from dodging oncoming bikes.
“Do we want walkable communities or not,” she asked.
Santa Cruz County makes foray into restricting e-bike riders
Lookout Santa Cruz
March 29, 2024
https://lookout.co/santa-cruz-county-makes-foray-into-restricting-e-bike-riders/
Electric bicycles are on the rise nationally and in Santa Cruz County. As the county prepares to launch an expanded bike-share program, local lawmakers have approved the first draft of a law that restricts where riders can take their e-bikes.
A new law that would ban electric bicycles and scooters from Santa Cruz County sidewalks and walking paths cleared its first hurdle on this week after local lawmakers threw unanimous support behind the change.
The move comes both as e-bikes become increasingly ubiquitous (sales nationally jumped from 325,000 in 2018 to 1.1 million in 2022) and as the county is preparing to welcome hundreds of new electric bicycles into its urbanized unincorporated areas next month through a bike-share partnership with BCycle.
District 1 County Supervisor Manu Koenig proposed the new law with a cartoon generated by artificial intelligence platform ChatGPT that depicted a young e-bike rider zooming past a frightened older woman on a sidewalk.
“My office,” Koenig said, “has heard many complaints of just this type of situation.”
The law, as proposed, would prohibit e-bikes and e-scooters from county parks and any sidewalk in the county’s jurisdiction, unless the sidewalk is also dedicated as a bike path. However, there are some exceptions in Koenig’s proposal. E-cyclists can ride on a sidewalk as long as no pedestrians are present and no adjacent bike path exists. The law also gives flexibility to county officials to dedicate specific sidewalks and county park paths for e-bike usage in the future. E-bikes would also be prohibited from all hiking and mountain biking trails unless explicitly allowed.
Live Oak resident Michael Lewis told supervisors to scrap the exceptions.
“Sidewalks are designed for pedestrian usage, that’s why they’re called sidewalks and not siderides,” Lewis said. “There are no sidewalks where a pedestrian is not potentially present.”
Resident Jean Brocklebank, Lewis’ wife, said the exceptions are too vague and that e-bikes should be prohibited from sidewalks absolutely.
“That woman you saw in the [ChatGPT] illustration, that’s me,” Brocklebank said. “At 79, I have two disabilities. … I cannot respond quickly and easily to a speeding e-bike.”
Koenig emphasized that e-bike regulations would require an “iterative process” since it’s a new technology. Supervisor Justin Cummings said the law represented only the “first step in this process.”
“It’s important that we’re moving forward with this technology to begin with,” Cummings said, explaining that the county could use the rise in e-bikes as an opportunity to begin expanding bike lanes in county areas where the roadways are dangerous.
If the supervisors advance the law with a second vote on April 9, the new prohibitions would apply only to sidewalks, pedestrian paths and parks within the county’s jurisdiction, which could create a confusing patchwork of regulations for riders who cross into city boundaries where no e-bike restrictions yet exist.
“We need a universal approach to e-bike regulations so there is consistency across the county and its cities … I would hope that everything gets into alignment,” Piet Canin, strategic development director with local environmental nonprofit Ecology Action, told Lookout. “I also think there is a wide range of stakeholders, from public health and sustainable transportation folks, to law enforcement and medical providers who can help figure out the best course of action to reduce crashes and health impacts. Hopefully the county gives everyone a little more time to vet it.”
If it passes, the new law could mix in with a state bill moving through the legislature this session that seeks to prohibit children under 12 years old from riding e-bikes. Assembly Bill 2234, proposed by Encinitas Assemblymember Tasha Boerner, would also require e-bike riders to have a valid driver’s license. Riders over 12 years old without a driver’s license would need to take an online safety course and pass a written test in order to legally operate an e-bike.
March 29, 2024
https://lookout.co/santa-cruz-county-makes-foray-into-restricting-e-bike-riders/
Electric bicycles are on the rise nationally and in Santa Cruz County. As the county prepares to launch an expanded bike-share program, local lawmakers have approved the first draft of a law that restricts where riders can take their e-bikes.
A new law that would ban electric bicycles and scooters from Santa Cruz County sidewalks and walking paths cleared its first hurdle on this week after local lawmakers threw unanimous support behind the change.
The move comes both as e-bikes become increasingly ubiquitous (sales nationally jumped from 325,000 in 2018 to 1.1 million in 2022) and as the county is preparing to welcome hundreds of new electric bicycles into its urbanized unincorporated areas next month through a bike-share partnership with BCycle.
District 1 County Supervisor Manu Koenig proposed the new law with a cartoon generated by artificial intelligence platform ChatGPT that depicted a young e-bike rider zooming past a frightened older woman on a sidewalk.
“My office,” Koenig said, “has heard many complaints of just this type of situation.”
The law, as proposed, would prohibit e-bikes and e-scooters from county parks and any sidewalk in the county’s jurisdiction, unless the sidewalk is also dedicated as a bike path. However, there are some exceptions in Koenig’s proposal. E-cyclists can ride on a sidewalk as long as no pedestrians are present and no adjacent bike path exists. The law also gives flexibility to county officials to dedicate specific sidewalks and county park paths for e-bike usage in the future. E-bikes would also be prohibited from all hiking and mountain biking trails unless explicitly allowed.
Live Oak resident Michael Lewis told supervisors to scrap the exceptions.
“Sidewalks are designed for pedestrian usage, that’s why they’re called sidewalks and not siderides,” Lewis said. “There are no sidewalks where a pedestrian is not potentially present.”
Resident Jean Brocklebank, Lewis’ wife, said the exceptions are too vague and that e-bikes should be prohibited from sidewalks absolutely.
“That woman you saw in the [ChatGPT] illustration, that’s me,” Brocklebank said. “At 79, I have two disabilities. … I cannot respond quickly and easily to a speeding e-bike.”
Koenig emphasized that e-bike regulations would require an “iterative process” since it’s a new technology. Supervisor Justin Cummings said the law represented only the “first step in this process.”
“It’s important that we’re moving forward with this technology to begin with,” Cummings said, explaining that the county could use the rise in e-bikes as an opportunity to begin expanding bike lanes in county areas where the roadways are dangerous.
If the supervisors advance the law with a second vote on April 9, the new prohibitions would apply only to sidewalks, pedestrian paths and parks within the county’s jurisdiction, which could create a confusing patchwork of regulations for riders who cross into city boundaries where no e-bike restrictions yet exist.
“We need a universal approach to e-bike regulations so there is consistency across the county and its cities … I would hope that everything gets into alignment,” Piet Canin, strategic development director with local environmental nonprofit Ecology Action, told Lookout. “I also think there is a wide range of stakeholders, from public health and sustainable transportation folks, to law enforcement and medical providers who can help figure out the best course of action to reduce crashes and health impacts. Hopefully the county gives everyone a little more time to vet it.”
If it passes, the new law could mix in with a state bill moving through the legislature this session that seeks to prohibit children under 12 years old from riding e-bikes. Assembly Bill 2234, proposed by Encinitas Assemblymember Tasha Boerner, would also require e-bike riders to have a valid driver’s license. Riders over 12 years old without a driver’s license would need to take an online safety course and pass a written test in order to legally operate an e-bike.
Santa Cruz County cracks down on e-bike sidewalk rides
Santa Cruz Sentinel
March 28, 2024
by PK Hattis
https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/2024/03/28/santa-cruz-county-cracks-down-on-e-bike-sidewalk-rides/
With electric bicycle popularity surging at state and local levels, Santa Cruz County leaders are stepping up efforts to regulate riders inappropriately using pedestrian facilities.
At its meeting Tuesday, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors adopted in concept an ordinance making it illegal to ride an e-bike on a sidewalk in the county, exempting instances where there is no bike lane and no pedestrians are present. The ordinance also prohibits the riding of an e-bike on paths in county parks, unless the route is a bikeway or if posted signage allows.
The ordinance, supported unanimously by the board, is scheduled for a second reading and final adoption April 9.
Supervisor Manu Koenig, who brought the proposal forward alongside Supervisor Zach Friend, explained that while he believes the emergence of e-bikes is a good thing on the whole, they can weigh 40-70 pounds and travel anywhere from 20-28 mph.
“The problem is that 20-28 mph is pretty darn fast, especially when people are riding on sidewalks,” said Koenig.
Because e-bikes are defined in state law as personal property as opposed to vehicles, Koenig explained, the county’s legal powers are relatively few when it comes to imposing regulations and safety
standards.
The solution was to repeal the existing county code that applies to motorized bicycles and scooters and replace it with a similar one that includes language for e-bikes. The penalty for a violation will remain an infraction.
“It seemed time to update this chapter with some description of where electric bikes can and cannot be used,” said Koenig.
Friend added that there is a significant amount of work going on at the state level to create a regulatory framework around e-bikes, including helmets, licensure and education requirements. However, none address conflict points such as sidewalks.
“The real takeaway here is just trying to remove risk and safety issues,” said Friend. “This is just the next part of the iteration to help kind of broadly define what this and future technologies may provide, but still be permissive in very specifically designated areas for bikes. It’s just a safety enhancement in local code.”
The preliminary changes come amid a significant and ongoing rollout of BCycle, an e-bike rideshare program, across the county. After introducing about 400 bicycles and 800 docks in the city of Santa Cruz last summer, BCycle will add almost 600 e-bikes across the county in 2024, according to the agenda report, with potential expansion to 2,000 e-bikes within the next five years. According to a transportation researcher at Portland State University, e-bike sales across the country rose by 269% from 2019-2022, the staff report noted.
According to a report from ABC News where the same statistic is referenced, nationwide e-bike sales reached $888.5 million in 2022.
Still, several speakers from the public voiced the opinion that the new ordinance doesn’t go far enough.
Michael Lewis, a Live Oak resident who said he had lobbied for this kind of ordinance for more than a decade, said he was generally in support of the proposed rules, but was opposed to exceptions on any sidewalk.
“You (the bicyclists) can ride in the street, you can walk your bike on the sidewalk, or you can take another street that doesn’t have such restrictions on it,” said Lewis, noting that streets should have accompanying pavement markings and signage. “The sidewalks are designed for pedestrian usage. That’s why they’re called ‘sidewalks;’ they’re not ‘side-rides.’ ”
Koenig, responding to this and other similar comments, said the ordinance was designed with safety for all in mind, including local youth whose parents and others would not feel comfortable with them riding in the street.
“If we continue to see problems, we can always make further amendments to it in the future,” said Koenig.
Similarly, board Chair Justin Cummings said the ordinance is the first step to create policies around the e-bike technology and that public education and outreach will be critical moving forward.
“I think it’s also an opportunity to encourage us to start expanding bike lanes throughout the county,” said Cummings, “so we can try to address that issue of getting people off sidewalks when it’s dangerous, putting in more protected bike lanes.”
March 28, 2024
by PK Hattis
https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/2024/03/28/santa-cruz-county-cracks-down-on-e-bike-sidewalk-rides/
With electric bicycle popularity surging at state and local levels, Santa Cruz County leaders are stepping up efforts to regulate riders inappropriately using pedestrian facilities.
At its meeting Tuesday, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors adopted in concept an ordinance making it illegal to ride an e-bike on a sidewalk in the county, exempting instances where there is no bike lane and no pedestrians are present. The ordinance also prohibits the riding of an e-bike on paths in county parks, unless the route is a bikeway or if posted signage allows.
The ordinance, supported unanimously by the board, is scheduled for a second reading and final adoption April 9.
Supervisor Manu Koenig, who brought the proposal forward alongside Supervisor Zach Friend, explained that while he believes the emergence of e-bikes is a good thing on the whole, they can weigh 40-70 pounds and travel anywhere from 20-28 mph.
“The problem is that 20-28 mph is pretty darn fast, especially when people are riding on sidewalks,” said Koenig.
Because e-bikes are defined in state law as personal property as opposed to vehicles, Koenig explained, the county’s legal powers are relatively few when it comes to imposing regulations and safety
standards.
The solution was to repeal the existing county code that applies to motorized bicycles and scooters and replace it with a similar one that includes language for e-bikes. The penalty for a violation will remain an infraction.
“It seemed time to update this chapter with some description of where electric bikes can and cannot be used,” said Koenig.
Friend added that there is a significant amount of work going on at the state level to create a regulatory framework around e-bikes, including helmets, licensure and education requirements. However, none address conflict points such as sidewalks.
“The real takeaway here is just trying to remove risk and safety issues,” said Friend. “This is just the next part of the iteration to help kind of broadly define what this and future technologies may provide, but still be permissive in very specifically designated areas for bikes. It’s just a safety enhancement in local code.”
The preliminary changes come amid a significant and ongoing rollout of BCycle, an e-bike rideshare program, across the county. After introducing about 400 bicycles and 800 docks in the city of Santa Cruz last summer, BCycle will add almost 600 e-bikes across the county in 2024, according to the agenda report, with potential expansion to 2,000 e-bikes within the next five years. According to a transportation researcher at Portland State University, e-bike sales across the country rose by 269% from 2019-2022, the staff report noted.
According to a report from ABC News where the same statistic is referenced, nationwide e-bike sales reached $888.5 million in 2022.
Still, several speakers from the public voiced the opinion that the new ordinance doesn’t go far enough.
Michael Lewis, a Live Oak resident who said he had lobbied for this kind of ordinance for more than a decade, said he was generally in support of the proposed rules, but was opposed to exceptions on any sidewalk.
“You (the bicyclists) can ride in the street, you can walk your bike on the sidewalk, or you can take another street that doesn’t have such restrictions on it,” said Lewis, noting that streets should have accompanying pavement markings and signage. “The sidewalks are designed for pedestrian usage. That’s why they’re called ‘sidewalks;’ they’re not ‘side-rides.’ ”
Koenig, responding to this and other similar comments, said the ordinance was designed with safety for all in mind, including local youth whose parents and others would not feel comfortable with them riding in the street.
“If we continue to see problems, we can always make further amendments to it in the future,” said Koenig.
Similarly, board Chair Justin Cummings said the ordinance is the first step to create policies around the e-bike technology and that public education and outreach will be critical moving forward.
“I think it’s also an opportunity to encourage us to start expanding bike lanes throughout the county,” said Cummings, “so we can try to address that issue of getting people off sidewalks when it’s dangerous, putting in more protected bike lanes.”
Santa Cruz County stops e-bikes on sidewalks, more launch
KSBW
March 28, 2024
https:///www.ksbw.com/article/santa-cruz-county-stops-e-bikes-on-sidewalks-more-launch/60312526
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to repeal and update a current ordinance to include electric bikes, regulating their use on sidewalks and parks in unincorporated areas.
Under this new ordinance, people are prohibited from riding in these areas if there is an existing bike lane.
There are exceptions if a bike lane is absent and if pedestrians are not present. Further exceptions could be made for specific areas by the Parks or Community Development and Infrastructure departments.
A second reading and final adoption of the ordinance is scheduled for April 9.
This comes as Santa Cruz County continues to expand its existing electric bike share program with the Wisconsin-based company BCycle.
The bikes are currently only available in Santa Cruz, where it first launched in the summer of 2023 with about 400 bikes across the city and at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
In early April, a new fleet of 75 electric bikes and over 150 individual bike parking spaces would be available mid-county in the communities of Live Oak, Twin Lakes, Pleasure Point and Capitola.
The program will expand to South County around August, reaching as far as Watsonville.
By the end of this year 660 electric bikes will be available countywide, and in the next four years, over 2,000 bikes could be introduced, according to county officials.
March 28, 2024
https:///www.ksbw.com/article/santa-cruz-county-stops-e-bikes-on-sidewalks-more-launch/60312526
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to repeal and update a current ordinance to include electric bikes, regulating their use on sidewalks and parks in unincorporated areas.
Under this new ordinance, people are prohibited from riding in these areas if there is an existing bike lane.
There are exceptions if a bike lane is absent and if pedestrians are not present. Further exceptions could be made for specific areas by the Parks or Community Development and Infrastructure departments.
A second reading and final adoption of the ordinance is scheduled for April 9.
This comes as Santa Cruz County continues to expand its existing electric bike share program with the Wisconsin-based company BCycle.
The bikes are currently only available in Santa Cruz, where it first launched in the summer of 2023 with about 400 bikes across the city and at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
In early April, a new fleet of 75 electric bikes and over 150 individual bike parking spaces would be available mid-county in the communities of Live Oak, Twin Lakes, Pleasure Point and Capitola.
The program will expand to South County around August, reaching as far as Watsonville.
By the end of this year 660 electric bikes will be available countywide, and in the next four years, over 2,000 bikes could be introduced, according to county officials.
E-Bike Restrictions In Santa Cruz County Receive Preliminary Nod
Bay City News, News Partner
Posted Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024
https://patch.com/california/santacruz/e-bike-restrictions-santa-cruz-county-receive-preliminary-nod
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors gave preliminary approval Tuesday to an updated ordinance restricting electronic bikes and scooters from most sidewalks and parks.
The move comes ahead of a rollout of a bikeshare program that will see hundreds of the devices available by the year's end.
The change to the county code was proposed by Supervisor Manu Koenig and co-authored by Supervisor Zach Friend. Koenig said during the board's meeting that the changes were needed to update the ordinance regulating motorized bikes, such as mopeds, in the face of the growing prevalence of electronic bikes, scooters and skateboards.
The new law would restrict e-bikes and other devices from being ridden on sidewalks unless there is no available bikeway in the location, an exception Koenig said was designed to make riding safer for younger bicyclists who can't ride with traffic.
Some public commenters urged the board to scrap that allowance and ban the devices from sidewalks altogether.
"We need to have sidewalks that are safe," said public commenter Jean Brocklebank.
She said her disabilities made it difficult to avoid a fast-moving bike riding on the sidewalk. She objected to the lack of clarity on which sidewalks would be exempt.
"We have to make this ordinance stronger," Brocklebank said.
E-bikes would also be banned from use in county parks, unless explicitly allowed by the Parks Department.
Violations would remain infractions.
The proposed ordinance comes as the county is preparing to introduce as many as 600 e-bikes in 2024 through a contract with the bikeshare company BCycle Electric. Up to 2,000 e-bikes could be introduced in the county by 2029, according to Koenig.
State law defines three classes of e-bike, depending on their speed, motor, and the availability of a throttle, but leaves their regulation to local jurisdictions. Top speeds generally range between 20-28 mph.
Supervisor Justin Cummings said the move was a first step and said installing more bike lanes would be a good next step.
The draft ordinance was approved unanimously and will be taken up again for a final vote at an upcoming meeting.
Posted Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024
https://patch.com/california/santacruz/e-bike-restrictions-santa-cruz-county-receive-preliminary-nod
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors gave preliminary approval Tuesday to an updated ordinance restricting electronic bikes and scooters from most sidewalks and parks.
The move comes ahead of a rollout of a bikeshare program that will see hundreds of the devices available by the year's end.
The change to the county code was proposed by Supervisor Manu Koenig and co-authored by Supervisor Zach Friend. Koenig said during the board's meeting that the changes were needed to update the ordinance regulating motorized bikes, such as mopeds, in the face of the growing prevalence of electronic bikes, scooters and skateboards.
The new law would restrict e-bikes and other devices from being ridden on sidewalks unless there is no available bikeway in the location, an exception Koenig said was designed to make riding safer for younger bicyclists who can't ride with traffic.
Some public commenters urged the board to scrap that allowance and ban the devices from sidewalks altogether.
"We need to have sidewalks that are safe," said public commenter Jean Brocklebank.
She said her disabilities made it difficult to avoid a fast-moving bike riding on the sidewalk. She objected to the lack of clarity on which sidewalks would be exempt.
"We have to make this ordinance stronger," Brocklebank said.
E-bikes would also be banned from use in county parks, unless explicitly allowed by the Parks Department.
Violations would remain infractions.
The proposed ordinance comes as the county is preparing to introduce as many as 600 e-bikes in 2024 through a contract with the bikeshare company BCycle Electric. Up to 2,000 e-bikes could be introduced in the county by 2029, according to Koenig.
State law defines three classes of e-bike, depending on their speed, motor, and the availability of a throttle, but leaves their regulation to local jurisdictions. Top speeds generally range between 20-28 mph.
Supervisor Justin Cummings said the move was a first step and said installing more bike lanes would be a good next step.
The draft ordinance was approved unanimously and will be taken up again for a final vote at an upcoming meeting.
Santa Cruz County moves to restrict e-bikes scooters from most sidewalks, parks
KION
March 27, 2024
https://kion546.com/top-stories/2024/03/27/santa-cruz-county-moves-to-restrict-e-bikes-scooters-from-most-sidewalks-parks/
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors gave preliminary approval Tuesday to an updated ordinance restricting electronic bikes and scooters from most sidewalks and parks.
The move comes ahead of a rollout of a bikeshare program that will see hundreds of the devices available by the year's end.
The change to the county code was proposed by Supervisor Manu Koenig and co-authored by Supervisor Zach Friend. Koenig said during the board's meeting that the changes were needed to update the ordinance regulating motorized bikes, such as mopeds, in the face of the growing prevalence of electronic bikes, scooters and skateboards.
The new law would restrict e-bikes and other devices from being ridden on sidewalks unless there is no available bikeway in the location, an exception Koenig said was designed to make riding safer for younger bicyclists who can't ride with traffic.
Some public commenters urged the board to scrap that allowance and ban the devices from sidewalks altogether.
"We need to have sidewalks that are safe," said public commenter Jean Brocklebank.
She said her disabilities made it difficult to avoid a fast-moving bike riding on the sidewalk. She objected to the lack of clarity on which sidewalks would be exempt.
"We have to make this ordinance stronger," Brocklebank said.
E-bikes would also be banned from use in county parks, unless explicitly allowed by the Parks Department.
Violations would remain infractions.
The proposed ordinance comes as the county is preparing to introduce as many as 600 e-bikes in 2024 through a contract with the bikeshare company BCycle Electric. Up to 2,000 e-bikes could be introduced in the county by 2029, according to Koenig.
State law defines three classes of e-bike, depending on their speed, motor, and the availability of a throttle, but leaves their regulation to local jurisdictions. Top speeds generally range between 20-28 mph.
Supervisor Justin Cummings said the move was a first step and said installing more bike lanes would be a good next step.
The draft ordinance was approved unanimously and will be taken up again for a final vote at an upcoming meeting.
March 27, 2024
https://kion546.com/top-stories/2024/03/27/santa-cruz-county-moves-to-restrict-e-bikes-scooters-from-most-sidewalks-parks/
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors gave preliminary approval Tuesday to an updated ordinance restricting electronic bikes and scooters from most sidewalks and parks.
The move comes ahead of a rollout of a bikeshare program that will see hundreds of the devices available by the year's end.
The change to the county code was proposed by Supervisor Manu Koenig and co-authored by Supervisor Zach Friend. Koenig said during the board's meeting that the changes were needed to update the ordinance regulating motorized bikes, such as mopeds, in the face of the growing prevalence of electronic bikes, scooters and skateboards.
The new law would restrict e-bikes and other devices from being ridden on sidewalks unless there is no available bikeway in the location, an exception Koenig said was designed to make riding safer for younger bicyclists who can't ride with traffic.
Some public commenters urged the board to scrap that allowance and ban the devices from sidewalks altogether.
"We need to have sidewalks that are safe," said public commenter Jean Brocklebank.
She said her disabilities made it difficult to avoid a fast-moving bike riding on the sidewalk. She objected to the lack of clarity on which sidewalks would be exempt.
"We have to make this ordinance stronger," Brocklebank said.
E-bikes would also be banned from use in county parks, unless explicitly allowed by the Parks Department.
Violations would remain infractions.
The proposed ordinance comes as the county is preparing to introduce as many as 600 e-bikes in 2024 through a contract with the bikeshare company BCycle Electric. Up to 2,000 e-bikes could be introduced in the county by 2029, according to Koenig.
State law defines three classes of e-bike, depending on their speed, motor, and the availability of a throttle, but leaves their regulation to local jurisdictions. Top speeds generally range between 20-28 mph.
Supervisor Justin Cummings said the move was a first step and said installing more bike lanes would be a good next step.
The draft ordinance was approved unanimously and will be taken up again for a final vote at an upcoming meeting.
Santa Cruz County moves to restrict e-bikes scooters from most sidewalks, parks
CBS News Bay Area
March 27, 2024
https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/santa-cruz-county-approves-restricting-e-bikes-scooters-most-sidewalks-parks/
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors gave preliminary approval Tuesday to an updated ordinance restricting electronic bikes and scooters from most sidewalks and parks.The move comes ahead of a rollout of a bikeshare program that will see hundreds of the devices available by the year's end.
The change to the county code was proposed by Supervisor Manu Koenig and co-authored by Supervisor Zach Friend. Koenig said during the board's meeting that the changes were needed to update the ordinance regulating motorized bikes, such as mopeds, in the face of the growing prevalence of electronic bikes, scooters and skateboards.
The new law would restrict e-bikes and other devices from being ridden on sidewalks unless there is no available bikeway in the location, an exception Koenig said was designed to make riding safer for younger bicyclists who can't ride with traffic.
Some public commenters urged the board to scrap that allowance and ban the devices from sidewalks altogether.
"We need to have sidewalks that are safe," said public commenter Jean Brocklebank.
She said her disabilities made it difficult to avoid a fast-moving bike riding on the sidewalk. She objected to the lack of clarity on which sidewalks would be exempt.
"We have to make this ordinance stronger," Brocklebank said.
E-bikes would also be banned from use in county parks, unless explicitly allowed by the Parks Department.
Violations would remain infractions.
The proposed ordinance comes as the county is preparing to introduce as many as 600 e-bikes in 2024 through a contract with the bikeshare company BCycle Electric. Up to 2,000 e-bikes could be introduced in the county by 2029, according to Koenig.
State law defines three classes of e-bike, depending on their speed, motor, and the availability of a throttle, but leaves their regulation to local jurisdictions. Top speeds generally range between 20-28 mph.
Supervisor Justin Cummings said the move was a first step and said installing more bike lanes would be a good next step.
The draft ordinance was approved unanimously and will be taken up again for a final vote at an upcoming meeting.
March 27, 2024
https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/santa-cruz-county-approves-restricting-e-bikes-scooters-most-sidewalks-parks/
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors gave preliminary approval Tuesday to an updated ordinance restricting electronic bikes and scooters from most sidewalks and parks.The move comes ahead of a rollout of a bikeshare program that will see hundreds of the devices available by the year's end.
The change to the county code was proposed by Supervisor Manu Koenig and co-authored by Supervisor Zach Friend. Koenig said during the board's meeting that the changes were needed to update the ordinance regulating motorized bikes, such as mopeds, in the face of the growing prevalence of electronic bikes, scooters and skateboards.
The new law would restrict e-bikes and other devices from being ridden on sidewalks unless there is no available bikeway in the location, an exception Koenig said was designed to make riding safer for younger bicyclists who can't ride with traffic.
Some public commenters urged the board to scrap that allowance and ban the devices from sidewalks altogether.
"We need to have sidewalks that are safe," said public commenter Jean Brocklebank.
She said her disabilities made it difficult to avoid a fast-moving bike riding on the sidewalk. She objected to the lack of clarity on which sidewalks would be exempt.
"We have to make this ordinance stronger," Brocklebank said.
E-bikes would also be banned from use in county parks, unless explicitly allowed by the Parks Department.
Violations would remain infractions.
The proposed ordinance comes as the county is preparing to introduce as many as 600 e-bikes in 2024 through a contract with the bikeshare company BCycle Electric. Up to 2,000 e-bikes could be introduced in the county by 2029, according to Koenig.
State law defines three classes of e-bike, depending on their speed, motor, and the availability of a throttle, but leaves their regulation to local jurisdictions. Top speeds generally range between 20-28 mph.
Supervisor Justin Cummings said the move was a first step and said installing more bike lanes would be a good next step.
The draft ordinance was approved unanimously and will be taken up again for a final vote at an upcoming meeting.
November 2023: "The City of Santa Cruz, UC Santa Cruz, County of Santa Cruz, City of Capitola, Cabrillo College and City of Watsonville have partnered to bring an electric Bike Share system [BCycle] to Santa Cruz County providing a convenient, fun and affordable way for community members and visitors to travel countywide.
"Bike Share launched on June 20 throughout the City of Santa Cruz and UCSC campus. The regional system is scheduled to expand to Capitola, Watsonville, Cabrillo College, and the unincorporated County in early 2024. The initial launch included about 400 e-bikes and 800 docks throughout the City of Santa Cruz and UCSC. The countywide rollout will expand to up to 660 e-bikes and 1320 docks in 2024."
https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-departments/public-works/traffic-engineering/bike-share
"Bike Share launched on June 20 throughout the City of Santa Cruz and UCSC campus. The regional system is scheduled to expand to Capitola, Watsonville, Cabrillo College, and the unincorporated County in early 2024. The initial launch included about 400 e-bikes and 800 docks throughout the City of Santa Cruz and UCSC. The countywide rollout will expand to up to 660 e-bikes and 1320 docks in 2024."
https://www.cityofsantacruz.com/government/city-departments/public-works/traffic-engineering/bike-share
On November 24, 2023, we found this BCycle abandoned on the sidewalk, leaning against a retaining wall, across from 800 Brommer Street in the unincorporated county. We called the number printed on the handlebar cover and reported the bike, with it's ID number printed on the frame, to the BCycle managers. When I rode by the location on the 25th, the BCycle was gone.
E-bikes are motorized vehicles; need governors
Santa Cruz Sentinel LTE
November 26, 2023
Just the other day I almost hit an electric bike. Not because I didn’t see it but because it was traveling at a rate of speed for a bike that was never before seen. It was in a bike lane traveling faster than a speeding bullet.
Well, maybe not as fast as superman. But these are motorized vehicles and either they are going to need to have governors on them to limit the speed or bicyclists will need to get motorcycle licenses to use them. Or at some point someone is going to have a very large dent in the side of their car.
— Chelsea Wagner, Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz Sentinel LTE
November 26, 2023
Just the other day I almost hit an electric bike. Not because I didn’t see it but because it was traveling at a rate of speed for a bike that was never before seen. It was in a bike lane traveling faster than a speeding bullet.
Well, maybe not as fast as superman. But these are motorized vehicles and either they are going to need to have governors on them to limit the speed or bicyclists will need to get motorcycle licenses to use them. Or at some point someone is going to have a very large dent in the side of their car.
— Chelsea Wagner, Santa Cruz
Update November 2020: Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Jump bike program was discontinued and all Jump bikes and docking ports were removed. This page is a reminder of the problems caused by Jump bikes left on the sidewalks, in case the County or cities seek to reinstate rental bicycles and/or scooters.
February 16, 2020
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November 14, 2018
621 Pine Street