Council strikes sidewalk exception, sends e‑bike ordinance back for second reading

The Newport Beach City Council voted Nov. 18 to modify a proposed bicycle and e‑bike ordinance after residents and council members raised safety and clarity concerns.

Councilmember Michelle Barto moved to strike exception number 4 from section 12.56.0.03 of Ordinance 2025‑35, which she said made sidewalk‑riding rules confusing to the public. Barto told colleagues she had received extensive feedback from residents and that police and the city attorney agreed the ordinance’s intent could be enforced without the confusing exception. The motion to remove the exception and return the ordinance for a second reading in December passed unanimously.

Nearly a dozen public speakers urged action that evening. East Bluff Homeowners Association representative Ron Rubino told the council that allowing many e‑bikes on residential sidewalks would be unsafe for children and urged a definitive street list or map; parent speakers described near‑misses with teenagers on e‑bikes traveling at high speeds and urged prompt enactment of signage and enforcement. Other commenters asked for broader public vetting and workshops before final adoption.

Council discussion focused on clarity and enforceability: staff said the street map was produced as a graphic exhibit to show allowable arterials and wide sidewalks, but acknowledged that producing a written list of streets would be more intensive. Barto’s amendment removes the specific sidewalk exception identified as confusing and directs staff to return with revised language for the council’s second reading.

Next steps: the ordinance will return to the council for a second reading in December with the exception removed; staff and council signaled interest in clearer maps or a street list and coordination with the police department on enforcement and signage.