Laguna Woods adopts ordinance regulating e-bikes, skateboards on public ways

The Laguna Woods City Council on Tuesday approved a revised ordinance that updates local rules for bicycles, electric bicycles and other human-powered conveyances on public rights-of-way. The council voted unanimously to adopt the second reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 8.12 of the Laguna Woods Municipal Code; the ordinance becomes effective 30 days after adoption.

The measure, presented by city staff, does three main things: it aligns bicycle rules to include electric bicycles, prohibits unsafe operation of electronic or electric bicycles with examples of unsafe use, and removes language that had allowed the city manager to unilaterally prohibit bicycle use on certain sidewalk segments. City staff said the ordinance applies only to public streets, sidewalks and right of way and does not apply on private property such as Laguna Woods Village.

"This version is modeled in part on ordinances adopted in neighboring jurisdictions and the county," City Manager Chris told the council when introducing the item. He and staff recommended adoption and a CEQA exemption for the ordinance.

During public comment, a resident, Catherine, asked how the city would enforce the new rule if law enforcement resources are limited. "When you have an ordinance of this nature, how do you enforce it?" she asked. Mayor Pro Tem McCarrie and other council members said the ordinance is an important legal tool even if enforcement is intermittent.

City Manager Chris and Mayor Pro Tem McCarrie noted enforcement authority lies with the Orange County Sheriff—s Department: the sheriff—s deputies can cite violators when they observe violations or respond to calls. "The sheriff's department will enforce the ordinance," Chris said, noting that this style of ordinance already exists in nearby Laguna Niguel and in unincorporated county areas.

The council moved and seconded the ordinance for adoption; the clerk recorded an "Aye" vote from council members and the ordinance was adopted.

The adopted ordinance is titled an ordinance of the City Council of the City of Laguna Woods, California, amending Chapter 8.12 of the Laguna Woods Municipal Code pertaining to pedestrian, bicycle and skateboard regulations. The city will post the final ordinance and effective date on its website and intends to coordinate with the sheriff—s office on public education and enforcement.