Residents told the Yorba Linda City Council on Aug. 5 they want new rules for electric bicycles after several close calls on paved walking trails and neighborhood streets.

Why it matters: dozens of trail users and dog walkers said current signs and rules do not address e‑bikes and that riders sometimes speed, harass pedestrians and endanger children and pets. City staff and councilmembers said work is underway and the council continued the matter for further action.

At the meeting, Karen Crowley, a Yorba Linda resident, said the group she represents includes “at least 25 adults, our pets and our kids who often walk about 1 mile of the trails in Yorba Linda between Yorba Ranch Road and Avenue to Barcelona.” She said, “We feel it is only a matter of time until someone is seriously injured.” Crowley told the council she and fellow walkers have experienced e‑bikes approaching quickly, swearing at people who ask them to slow down and honking at dogs to scare them.

Craig Holbrook, also a Yorba Linda resident and longtime trail user, told the council he reviewed state law changes and city ordinances in nearby jurisdictions. He cited Laguna Niguel’s posted limit that “bicycles and e bikes, when they are ridden on the sidewalks, shall be limited to 5 miles an hour” as an example of a local rule the council could consider.

City Manager Mark Malone told the council the topic was discussed at the previous meeting and that the council decided to continue the item to Aug. 19. “It’ll be back on the council for first reading,” Malone said, and he encouraged residents to attend the Aug. 19 meeting. Councilwoman Tara Campbell noted the earlier meeting had a “very robust discussion” and urged residents to review the draft ordinance before the follow‑up hearing.

Council members and staff repeatedly framed the issue as a public safety matter and urged residents to participate in the next meeting. Mayor Pro Tem Carlos Rodriguez said the subject was “front and center” for the council and invited community review of the prior discussion.

What’s next: the council scheduled a continued public discussion and a first reading of a draft e‑bike ordinance on Aug. 19. Staff and councilmembers said they are reviewing other Orange County cities’ approaches and incorporating community input before returning the item for formal action.