Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves first reading of e‑bike ordinance limiting trail speeds to 15 mph, expanding enforcement
Summary
Duarte City Council introduced and approved first reading of an ordinance (chapter 11.25) that limits class 1 and 2 electric bicycles to 15 mph on recreational trails, bans class 3 e‑bikes from trails, expands code‑enforcement authority in parks and creates administrative citation and education options.
The Duarte City Council voted to introduce for a second reading a new ordinance adding chapter 11.25 to the Duarte Municipal Code to regulate electric bicycles and similar devices on trails and in parks.
Public Safety Director Larry Preseda presented the proposed ordinance and said it was developed after more than a year of consideration by the Public Safety Commission. Key provisions include prohibiting class 3 e‑bikes on recreational trails; allowing class 1 and 2 e‑bikes on trails but limiting their operating speed to 15 miles per hour (a 5 mph reduction from typical device capability); requiring riders to slow and yield to pedestrians; prohibiting reckless operation and distracted riding; and authorizing administrative citations, impoundment and alternative educational responses instead of or in addition to fines. The ordinance expands the authority for code enforcement officers to enforce trail provisions, leaving street enforcement to deputies.
Councilmembers and members of the public raised practical enforcement questions — signage, radar feedback signs, how to distinguish class 3 devices, and whether a 15 mph limit is enforceable or sufficient to protect pedestrians. Director Preseda said the city will coordinate school outreach, install signage and consider radar feedback signs; staff also noted that some sections of trail serve as commuter routes for students and other riders and that a blanket ban on e‑bikes could create access issues.
The council voted to introduce the ordinance for a second reading and implementation steps discussed included signage, a bicycle‑safety education program similar to previous Saturday sessions, and possible future amendments based on observed effectiveness.
Provenance: Ordinance and first‑reading motion presented beginning SEG 1456; council motion and vote recorded near SEG 2014–2020.
