In a recent government meeting, city officials expressed growing concerns regarding the safety of Class 2 electric bikes (e-bikes), particularly in light of incidents involving children riding them recklessly. Council members highlighted alarming observations of young riders performing dangerous stunts and exceeding speed limits on local streets, prompting calls for immediate action to educate the community about e-bike regulations.

One council member emphasized the need for a more focused communication strategy, suggesting that a proposed letter to residents should be rewritten to clearly convey the risks associated with Class 2 e-bikes. The letter, intended to educate families about the differences between e-bike classes, was criticized for lacking specificity and failing to address local concerns adequately. Officials agreed that the letter should be tailored to reflect the unique circumstances in Novato, rather than mirroring communications from neighboring jurisdictions.

The discussion also touched on the challenges of enforcing age restrictions for e-bike riders. Some council members argued for differentiating laws between Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, citing safety concerns for younger riders. They expressed skepticism about the feasibility of law enforcement determining a rider's age during casual encounters, advocating for a more proactive approach to ensure that children under 16 do not operate Class 2 e-bikes.

Public comments echoed these concerns, with community members urging the council to implement stricter regulations. They highlighted the need for a coordinated effort among local governments, schools, and law enforcement to address the safety risks posed by e-bikes, particularly those with throttle controls that can reach high speeds.

As the council deliberated on the recommendations from a recent grand jury report, they recognized the urgency of developing a comprehensive plan to enhance e-bike safety. The meeting concluded with a commitment to revisit the proposed communication strategies and ensure that the community is well-informed about e-bike regulations and safety measures before the start of the school year.