Residents urge clearer e-bike rules, signage for Walnut Creek trails and open spaces

Several residents used the public‑communications portion of the Sept. 2 Walnut Creek City Council meeting to urge clearer guidance and enforcement for e‑bikes and other electric vehicles on trails and in open spaces.

Jan Warren, a 40‑year resident, said adults need education as much as younger riders and suggested creative outreach such as videos or community events. "We really need to educate the adults because the adults don't know what's allowed where either," she said.

Barbara Guinness said she had noticed "Ride Safely" signs at the Ignacio Canal Trail and at open‑space entrances and praised the police department for its work, but warned the signs and the website language could be misread. "With this ride‑safely sign prominently posted at our open space entrances, you can be assured that the e‑bike riders will look at this and see, 'oh, allowed on bike trails and bike paths in the open spaces, and there they go,' " she said, urging changes to web guidance so visitors understand applicable municipal codes.

City Manager Dan Buckshay responded that the city is receiving a large volume of correspondence on e‑bike safety and that enforcement is handled similarly to other bicycle enforcement. "We are receiving a lot of correspondence relative to e bikes and for good reason," Buckshay said. He also noted a targeted enforcement event was conducted on Aug. 20.

Council did not take any formal action during the public‑comment period on e‑bike policy. Several speakers asked that the city focus on education for both riders and adults, examine how signage and web content are worded, and coordinate enforcement and outreach efforts with the Police Department and open‑space managers.