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Residents ask Newport Beach for tougher enforcement of illegal motorcycles and new surf-safety signage
Summary
Speakers urged the council to increase enforcement against illegal motorcycles on sidewalks and trails and asked the city to post surf-safety signs and consider limited citation authority to protect swimmers and inexperienced surfers.
Two separate public-commenters asked the council to address public-safety concerns on city trails and in the surf.
Michael Alte asked the council to substantially increase enforcement against illegal motorcycles often described as e-bikes but "really motorcycles," saying they are frequently ridden on sidewalks, bike paths and the boardwalk and create safety risks for families and cyclists. He said the police department told him enforcement efforts are limited by resources and suggested concentrated weekend patrols and regional coordination with neighboring jurisdictions.
Bjorn Hazelquist described personal injuries from collisions with inexperienced surfers and urged the council to post large, clear signage at local surf spots identifying skill levels and suggested limited citation authority for users who disregard safety postings. Hazelquist emphasized he does not support a state- or city-mandated surfing license but said clearer posted expectations and enforcement could reduce injuries.
Why it matters: Speakers said these measures could reduce collisions and injuries to cyclists, boardwalk users and surfers by clarifying rules and increasing targeted enforcement.
What’s next: Commenters asked staff to consider enforcement plans and signage; the council did not adopt new enforcement measures at the meeting.
