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Ceres adopts stricter bicycle rules, including e-bike limits and impound fines
Summary
The council unanimously adopted an ordinance defining bicycles (including e‑bike limits of 20 mph and 750 watts), making it unlawful to ride at city-sponsored street-closed events, and allowing officers to impound bicycles for 30 days with escalating fees for repeat offenses.
The Ceres City Council on Nov. 10 adopted an ordinance updating the municipal code to address dangerous bicycle group rides and increasing enforcement tools, including the authority to impound bicycles and assess escalating impound fees.
Police Chief (speaker 24) presented the draft amendments, citing 19 recorded injury collisions involving bicyclists since January 2024 and 85 calls for service related to reckless bicycle operation. Under the ordinance, electric bicycles qualify as bicycles so long as they do not exceed 20 miles per hour and 750 watts of power. The ordinance also bans bicycle operation at city‑sponsored events where streets are closed to vehicle traffic and adds a new section addressing organized or planned “street takeover” events involving bicycles.
Enforcement measures include a 30‑day impound for the first violation and an escalating impound fee schedule based on the number of violations within a 365‑day period: $250 for the first violation, $500 for the second, $750 for the third and $1,000 for the fourth. Chief of Police said the changes were prompted by public safety concerns including riders confronting vehicles, blocking traffic lanes and causing property damage; the chief noted juveniles are often involved but adults sometimes participate and may be cited as well.
Public commenters supported stronger enforcement: Dave Perez described close calls with fast riders on sidewalks; Jean Yeakley urged clear enforcement strategies rather than repeated warnings. Council members pressed the chief on how on‑view observations, camera evidence and juvenile citation processes would be handled; the chief said officers would use available evidence, identify incidents for complaint processing and treat juvenile cases according to statute.
The council voted 5–0 to approve the ordinance. Staff said the tool of impoundment would provide an alternative to warnings and allow the department to hold repeat offenders accountable. The ordinance takes effect according to standard ordinance timing and will be available in the city’s municipal code updates.
