City Council passes ordinance to strengthen e-bike laws

By Doug Spoon, Editor

The Menifee City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved a proposed ordinance by the Menifee Police Department that adds enforcement and education options regarding safety on e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards.

The action followed up on a discussion among Menifee PD officers, Menifee Union School District officials and residents in two public meetings early this month. As stated by police Lt. Denise Keith at one of those meetings, an ordinance would not only supplement state laws, it would give the PD more flexibility in issuing warnings and citations to offending e-bikers.

“An ordinance would give us the option of giving an administrative citation, which is another way of holding them accountable,” Keith said at the Feb. 6 meeting.

Unlike a criminal citation, which can include jail time and a criminal mark on one’s record, an administrative citation is a civil citation with fines administered by the local government. An administrative citation is given to the e-biker rider and their parents, but there is no criminal mark against the youth’s record when they apply for a driver’s license.

Even so, under the new ordinance, a citation for improper use of an e-bike can now carry a fine of up to $500. In addition, each day a citation is given to the same rider constitutes a new offense. Parents will be notified and can also be cited as responsible for their child’s actions.

PD representatives also told City Council members on Wednesday that it is as important to educate children and their parents about e-bike safety as it is to beef up enforcement actions. This includes an educational program that is being designed to be implemented in local schools.

Sgt. Dan Beare is in charge of coordinating presentations that will be given at local schools. This will include displays of the different classes of e-bikes and what is allowed at each level. An online training program, currently available on the MPD website, will be incorporated in the educational program. Beare said it’s also possible that such a program would include the registration of bikes at each school, where a sticker placed on the bike will show that the rider has passed a training program.

“Authorizing such a program is up to the school districts, but these things are being discussed,” Beare said.

In addition to the fine of up to $500, the ordinance states that:

-- Riders cannot use headphones or ear buds while using an e-bike. State law allows an ear bud in one ear, but it will not be allowed in Menifee by ordinance.

-- Riders cannot ride more than two abreast, whether in a bike lane or on the sidewalk. This is designed to eliminate the “packs” of young people who are often seen overtaking multiple traffic lines on local streets.

-- The number of riders on a single e-bike cannot be more than the vehicle is designed for. If two people are riding on an e-bike, the bike must have two seats.

-- Riders must stay inside bike lanes. If there are none, they should use the sidewalk.

-- E-bikes are limited to 20 mph on trails, parks or paths.

-- Where posted, riding is not allowed at City-sponsored special events.

-- Bicycles cannot be left on sidewalks or blocking pedestrian pathways.

-- No riding on school grounds, playgrounds or parks unless designated for bicycles.

-- Parents can be held accountable to a minor’s ordinance/traffic code violations, as well as injuries and damages as a result of failing to abide by the ordinance.

This ordinance is in addition to state laws, which state that:

-- Helmets are required for all riders under age 18.

-- Cyclists must follow the same traffic rules as passenger vehicles.

-- Front lights and reflectors are required for night riding
.
-- Modifications of e-bikes are illegal.

Council member Dan Temple, a retired CHP officer, said during the discussion that it was important that parents be notified in every instance. Keith replied that while it is up to the discretion of the officer whether to issue a citation, parents will always be notified.

Mayor Pro Tem Bob Karwin asked whether the new ordinance will allow e-bikes on the Salt Creek Trail, where signs saying “motorized vehicles prohibited” are now posted. Police Chief Chris Karrer said those signs would be changed to read “no e-bikes over 20 mph.”

“This is a good start,” Karwin said about the ordinance. “We don’t have 5,000 officers to put on every corner, but this gives us an opportunity to build on the program as we see what’s working.”