Belmont public safety panel reviews e-bike rules, traffic grants and police staffing

Belmont City Public Safety Committee members met Oct. 20 in the Emergency Operations Center at City Hall and received a traffic-safety briefing focused on e-bikes, a summary of two state traffic grants that will fund education and enforcement, and updates on police staffing and technology.

The presenter from the Belmont Police Department described California’s e-bike class system and emphasized that e-bikes are generally governed by the same traffic rules as bicycles. The presenter said classifications hinge on top assisted speeds and motor power, noting class 1 and 2 bikes assist up to 20 mph and class 3 bikes can reach 28 mph; class 3 use requires the rider to be at least 16 and a helmet is required for class 3 riders. The presenter also told the committee that e-bikes may not be ridden on sidewalks unless local ordinance or signage permits it and that many community members misunderstand where e-bikes are allowed.

The committee discussed enforcement and education…