CHP updates Rossmoor board on ebike rules, patrols and crash figures; agency urges residents to record dangerous driving

Officer Valdinos of the California Highway Patrol told the Rossmoor Community Services District board the agency has been actively patrolling the Rossmoor area and is conducting DUI checkpoints, targeted patrols and education around school zones. The officer reported 27 crashes in the area over the review period, including 10 injury collisions; he attributed several crashes to speeding, unsafe turning and two DUI collisions.

Valdinos reviewed ebike guidance for residents: sidewalk speeds in unincorporated Rossmoor are limited to 5 mph; riders under age 18 must wear helmets; ebikes that exceed 750 watts or travel at highway speeds may be regulated as motor vehicles and require a driver’s license. The CHP emphasized education first but said enforcement (citations, impoundment for unlicensed motorcycle operation) is available when necessary.

CHP asked residents to document reckless driving with clear video and license plate information; the officer said such evidence allows CHP to pursue enforcement even if officers were not at the scene. He provided Westminster CHP’s non‑emergency number as a reporting route for suspicious or dangerous driving behavior.

Board members pressed on patrol frequency and whether a county or city ordinance would give local agencies more enforcement power. Officer Valdinos said officers are in Rossmoor daily in varying time windows, that collaboration with other agencies occurs, and that county ordinances can provide additional enforcement tools.

The presentation closed with an offer to coordinate radar trailer placement on specific streets by email and a request for residents to contact CHP if they witness dangerous behavior.