A large group of e-bike riders gathered in the middle of Newport Road recently. (Photo via Facebook)
Kids riding e-bikes recklessly on public roads have become a major concern in Menifee, as they have in communities across the country.
Last month, several residents reported 30-40 youths riding e-bikes in a pack in the middle of Newport Road, creating an obstruction. On a recent day during the holiday break, e-bikers lined up three wide in the middle of a residential street, shouting at adults who asked them to move. Other complaints have involved e-bikers popping wheelies in the middle of the road, running red lights, cursing at motorists who shout at them, and generally being disruptive and unsafe.
Southland cities are addressing the issue in various ways. The City of Oceanside last year issued a ban on e-bikes ridden by children under 12, basing its decision on an Assembly bill that allows cities in San Diego County to do so. The issue also is of major concern in the South Bay, where Redondo Beach resident Darryl Boyd told the Los Angeles Times, “They run stop signs, they’re speeding, they’re flipping people off. They’re on their phones or filming themselves for social media. It’s a circus — a psycho circus.”
Menifee Police officers have acknowledged the difficulty in chasing down e-bike offenders, who can quickly move off streets and into areas inaccessible to a patrol car. Last February, the Menifee City Council approved an ordinance that somewhat strengthened law enforcement regarding e-bikes.
The ordinance allows officers who stop e-bikers to issue an administrative citation — a civil citation with fines administered by the local government. An administrative citation is given to the e-bike rider and their parents, but there is no criminal mark against the youth’s record when they apply for a driver’s license. A citation for improper use of an e-bike can now carry a fine of up to $500.
“While there is no plan to ban e-bikes in Menifee, the City Council has adopted an ordinance that regulates the use of electric bikes to enhance public safety, define clear operational rules, and establish penalties for non-compliance,” said Phil Southard, public information officer for the City of Menifee. “Menifee PD is continuing the enforcement of e-bike safety and has new tools to help further aid this effort, including new towing procedures that will allow e-bikes to be taken and stored (depending on the violation) until a parent can pick it up from the police department.
“Vehicles that meet the classification of an e-motorcycle can be towed and stored at a tow yard, and parents would need to pay a fee to have it released. Menifee PD is also utilizing its new Drone as First Responder (DFR) program to further enhance their enforcement capabilities.”
Even with these measures, the situation seems to have gotten worse. In response, one community in Menifee is preparing to do something about it.
The Lakes, a gated community south of Newport Road and east of Menifee Road, is preparing to introduce a program that will require residents of the community to register their e-bike with the HOA to increase the chances that in the event of a safety-related incident, the individual(s) involved may be identified.
According to Nick Carter, president of The Lakes HOA, consequences for violating rules or otherwise creating a safety hazard may include penalties such as fines and loss of community privileges, including use of the pool and gym.
“We can’t confiscate the bike, but they can be fined continually for repeated violations,” Carter said. “The police know about this plan and they are fine with it. We can do it because we’re a gated community. We have publicized this through mass emails, our Facebook page, and our new Town Square app. We will begin the program this month or next.”
Carter says he and his family members have been followed and harassed by youths on e-bikes who gather at the bridge over the lake, shouting racial slurs and trying to intimidate his daughters. Many of The Lakes residents have had similar experiences.
“They followed me all the way to my house,” Carter said. “I felt a level of anger I haven’t felt in a while. People here are really upset. We sent out a survey asking for feedback about our plan, and over 90 percent are in favor of it.”
The Lakes previously hired a private security company and has recently increased patrols on a regular basis, and existing surveillance cameras will help identify offenders in conjunction with the new registration requirement. Once offenders are identified, the HOA can take enforcement action.
“They’re terrorizing people because they think nobody can do anything about it. Well, somebody has to do something about it,” Carter said. “Our lawyers said it’s OK to take pics and post them on Facebook. They’re doing this in public and there’s no expectation of privacy. If you’re their parent, I don’t think you want their picture on Facebook for this.”
Nor does anyone want someone to be hurt because of reckless behavior.
Menifee Police officers have been more proactive in detaining e-bikers for reckless riding. (Photo via Facebook)
