Yorba Linda council approves first reading of revised e-bike rules, sets 10 mph limit on trails

The Yorba Linda City Council on Aug. 19 approved the first reading of a revised ordinance regulating electric bicycles, limiting speeds on trails and creating new penalties and enforcement tools. The ordinance sets a 10 mph speed limit for e-bikes on all trails and a 25 mph cap for e-bikes operating on streets and Class 2–4 bikeways; it also adds a DUI provision, a helmet rule for riders under 18 and penalties that begin at $250 for a first infraction and can reach misdemeanor charges for repeat violations within 12 months. Councilman Carlos Rodriguez moved the measure; the council voted unanimously to approve the ordinance on its first reading. Rodriguez said the rules give law enforcement “the subjective opportunity to…look with their own eyes” and take action on unsafe operation. Mayor John Lim (Mayor Lim) and other council members framed the vote as a safety-first step rather than a final policy. City staff and the sheriff’s…