Half Moon Bay unveils e-bike safety resources after recent crash; county drafting ordinance
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Summary
Following a fatal crash, city staff rolled out an e-bike safety webpage, distributed county pamphlets and said staff will pursue education programs, shop partnerships and coordination with county efforts on a draft ordinance to regulate e-bike use in unincorporated areas.
City staff reported on e-bike safety steps the city is taking after a recent tragic crash on the coast. The city has published an e-bike safety page on its website with resources including county materials that explain e-bike classes and helmet recommendations. Staff described outreach plans with local bike shops, the school district and the sheriff's office to explore education programs and incentivized classes for families and youth.
The briefing noted that San Mateo County recently hosted a workshop for jurisdictions about e-bike safety and that the county is drafting an ordinance for unincorporated areas that could produce a regional model cities could adopt. City staff said local education and enforcement of existing laws will be emphasized while legislative fixes are pursued at the state level.
Speakers in public comment pointed to work already underway. Michael Ferreira referenced a Mineta Transportation Institute study and noted the disparity in international e-bike watt limits; he said Assemblymember Rebecca Kahan had introduced legislation to license and register certain high-speed devices. Council members and staff discussed enforcement limits at the local level for modifications ("jailbreaking") and agreed education, short-term enforcement efforts and regional coordination are priorities while state legislation evolves.