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Torrance adopts stricter e‑bike rules, bans Class 3 e‑bikes on sidewalks and tightens park rules
Summary
The council adopted Ordinance No. 39‑63 to align Torrance code with state law, add an 'unsafe speed' standard, prohibit Class 3 e‑bikes on sidewalks and in parks, ban stunt riding and restrict handheld device use while riding; the measure passed with a 6–1 vote (Councilmember Gerson opposed).
The Torrance City Council voted to adopt an updated municipal code regulating bicycles and electric bicycles that city staff said is designed to modernize rules and improve pedestrian safety.
Lieutenant Charles Fisher of the Torrance Police Department walked the council through the proposal, saying the changes align the Torrance Municipal Code with the California Vehicle Code, define e‑bike classes, and add enforceable standards such as an "unsafe speed" rule allowing officers to consider pedestrian volume, visibility and surface conditions when determining whether a rider is traveling at an unsafe speed. The proposal also prohibits Class 3 e‑bikes — devices capable of speeds up to 28 mph — from operating on sidewalks citywide and in city parks, and it clarifies prohibited park behaviors such as constructing ramps or causing damage.
Fisher said the approach is "education first," with planned outreach to Torrance Unified School District, retailers and community partners before enforcement ramps up. He said the department will emphasize warnings and safety education, particularly for youth.
Public comment highlighted tradeoffs. Kyle Richardson, founder of the North Torrance bike bus, told the council that his sidewalk route is a safety adaptation where nearby streets are dangerous and warned that a ban on Class 3 e‑bikes on sidewalks could hamper family transportation. Other speakers urged regional coordination so riders are not confronted with conflicting rules across neighboring jurisdictions.
Despite those concerns, Councilmember Lewis moved to adopt the full staff recommendation (option 1). The motion passed, with Councilmember Gerson casting the sole dissent. The clerk read the ordinance title into the record: Ordinance No. 39‑63 amending multiple sections of the Torrance Municipal Code regulating bicycle use.
Implementation and penalties: staff said enforcement will begin with education and warnings, escalating to fines that staff described in the presentation as scalable (examples given: roughly $100 for a first infraction, $200 for a second, $500 for a third in a year, and potential misdemeanor charges for severe or repeated offenses). Staff also said vehicles or illegal e‑bikes may be impounded in egregious cases and that the department is partnering with TUSD and local retailers for outreach.
Next steps: the council approved the ordinance summary for publication and directed staff to proceed with education and implementation activities described by police and city communications staff.
