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Carpinteria council approves first reading of updated bicycle and e‑mobility rules, emphasizes education
Summary
Council approved first reading of an ordinance updating Chapter 10.6 to cover electric mobility devices: location‑based sidewalk bans in the Central Traffic District, youth diversion education for minors, and an administrative citation schedule ($100/$200/$500); staff will pilot educational outreach and partner with Move Santa Barbara.
Carpinteria — The city council on Monday approved the first reading of Ordinance No. 795, a rewrite of the city's bicycle chapter that expands rules to electric mobility devices, sets location‑based sidewalk prohibitions, and establishes a youth‑first education program for minors.
Assistant City Manager Ryan Kintz said the ordinance "repeals and replaces" the existing bicycle chapter and adds locally enforceable rules that supplement state law. The changes target high‑conflict pedestrian areas identified as the Central Traffic District and add enforcement tools and education options.
Key enforcement provisions the council heard include an administrative citation structure of $100 for a first violation, $200 for a second and $500 for subsequent violations; a youth diversion program would allow eligible minors to complete a safety‑education course in lieu of paying a fine for first‑time violations. The ordinance also allows for impoundment of bicycles or e‑devices in cases of egregious offenses and sets equipment, lighting and helmet requirements for under‑18 riders.
Kintz emphasized education as the primary focus: the ordinance proposes a phased rollout starting with public awareness and warnings, followed by targeted enforcement actions and the youth diversion pilot delivered in partnership with Move Santa Barbara.
Council members and staff said they will monitor enforcement trends, citations and youth diversion participation and return to the council with data on citations, locations and complaint trends. The council continued the second reading and adoption to a later meeting per the standard ordinance process.
