Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation And Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council directs staff to propose e‑bike safety measures for Bidwell Park after residents report crashes
Summary
Council asked public works and police to return with recommendations to improve pedestrian and rider safety in Bidwell Park and elsewhere after members raised concerns about high‑speed e‑bikes, enforcement options and design measures such as signage and lane markings.
Councilmember Van Overbeck opened a discussion about electric bikes and pedestrian safety in Bidwell Park and across Chico after recounting incidents in which riders traveling at high speed injured pedestrians. He noted state classifications (bikes that exceed 28 mph are treated as motor vehicles) and described enforcement options used in other cities, including seizure of bikes until owners either register or revert software settings.
Councilmembers discussed phased approaches: start with park-focused measures (signage, separated lanes, radar speed feedback), consider restrictions for class 3 and tampered bikes on single‑track trails, and direct staff and police to return with enforceable options. Councilmember Holly cautioned against ordinances that are unenforceable in practice and urged staff to propose options that local personnel can implement.
The council approved a motion (7-0) directing public works and police to develop proposals to enhance pedestrian and rider safety in parks and across the city and to return within a reasonable timeframe ahead of spring recreation season.
