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 captain described how the ordinance is intended to work in practice. City Engineer Jamie Lai summarized the ordinance language at the podium, including the 10 mph trail speed and the 25 mph roadway limit. Captain Diane Wigginton of Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) said deputies will prioritize education and “unsafe operation,” and that wheelies, helmet violations and other enumerated behaviors are enforceable under the ordinance; she added deputies will try to provide statistics back to council after implementation. The ordinance adds: an explicit right for arrestees to request chemical testing if arrested under the DUI provision; an example of unsafe passing behavior (slow, low-speed passes with safe distance when overtaking pedestrians or equestrians); and escalating fines: $250 first violation, $500 second, and possible misdemeanor prosecution with a $1,000 fine for third and subsequent violations within a 12-month period. Public comment at the meeting underlined the breadth of concern. Equestrians and walkers urged ban or strong limits on e-bikes on dirt/equestrian trails. Diane Kane, speaking for equestrian and trail safety concerns, urged restricting e-bikes on unpaved horse trails: “We risk the safety of equestrians and pedestrians when we allow motorized vehicles on the same path.” Several residents described near-misses and threats from riders they said were traveling at high speed without helmets. Other commenters, including residents who use e-bikes for disability access or commuting, urged balanced enforcement and strong education rather than an outright ban. Maximus, who said he relies on an e-bike because of Tourette Syndrome, asked council to combine rules with education and consistent enforcement so mobility-dependent residents are not unfairly excluded. Council members asked staff for follow-up steps. Councilwoman Tara Campbell asked staff to return with signage, an online information tab dedicated to e-bike rules, a coordinated education effort with schools and bike shops, and a public reporting mechanism to guide directed enforcement. Mayor Pro Tem Rodriguez and others asked OCSD for periodic enforcement metrics; Captain Wigginton agreed to try to report back on the number and types of e-bike enforcement actions during regular law-enforcement updates. Councilmembers and staff repeatedly noted the ordinance could be amended after implementation if problems persist; staff said a second reading is required and that the next scheduled council meeting for final action is Sept. 16, 2025. The council’s motion carried unanimously. The ordinance text and a staff summary of changes will be posted by the city; staff said they will pursue outreach with schools, local bike shops and community groups and will coordinate signage and social-media messaging to explain the new rules.