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Glendora council weighs targeted e‑bike rules, education and diversion instead of blanket ban
Summary
Staff told the council e‑bike calls and collisions are rising in key areas; police and public‑works staff proposed options including walk‑bike zones, speed‑reduction rules when passing pedestrians, school‑frontage restrictions, diversion education for juveniles and signage upgrades. Council expressed broad support for staff to draft an ordinance and a resolution with targeted zones.
City staff presented a research review and policy options on May 20 to address rising calls about e‑bikes and similar mobility devices in Glendora.
Police Captain Chris Stavio and Assistant Public Works Director Valerie Velasquez Santoya told the City Council the current municipal code predates modern e‑bikes and leaves enforcement gaps. Stavio outlined three e‑bike classes (class 1 and 2 up to 20 mph, class 3 up to 28 mph with additional helmet and age rules) and said the department recorded 93 e‑bike‑related calls in 2024, 150 in 2025 and 110 in the first quarter of 2026. “Predominantly a lot of these calls are taking place in the Glendora Village, the marketplace,” Stavio said.
Staff presented a menu of options: citywide sidewalk prohibitions, targeted restrictions in high‑pedestrian areas (Glendora Village, school frontages, parks, playgrounds, and event zones), walk‑bike only zones, signage upgrades consistent with vehicle code, speed‑reduction/slow‑pass requirements for passing pedestrians, age restrictions aligned with state law, and diversion/education programs for juveniles in lieu of court citations.
The proposed education component would pair one hour of classroom instruction with one hour of on‑bike proficiency training and parent participation; completing the program could allow citation diversion. Staff said Glendora Unified and Charter Oak districts have expressed willingness to coordinate a school‑year rollout for student education and bike‑rack access tied to program completion.
Councilmembers generally supported targeted, enforceable measures and an education/diversion approach. Council asked staff to draft an ordinance and an accompanying resolution identifying specific zones to restrict riding; staff said signage and legal review are the likely pacing issues and agreed to return with draft language and a timeline that, if feasible, could reach a first reading in June and implementation before the new school year.
No final ordinance was adopted on May 20; council provided consensus direction for staff to prepare draft regulations, signage plans and an education program.
