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Escandido council hears broad public input and directs staff to rework bicycle and mobility-device rules
Summary
After an extensive public hearing and dozens of speakers, the council directed staff to revise a draft mobility ordinance (ebikes, one-wheels, scooters and related devices), meet with stakeholders and return with clearer, more enforceable language and outreach plans.
The city’s attempt to modernize its mobility code produced hours of testimony and detailed staff responses on June 24, after which councilmembers directed staff to continue refining the draft ordinance and engage stakeholders including the San Diego Mountain Biking Association, the San Diego Bicycle Coalition, juvenile diversion and schools.
Lieutenant Craig Miller, who oversees the Traffic Division, presented a draft ordinance intended to address safety concerns from rapid growth in electric bicycles, motorized scooters and other mobility devices. The draft sets operating expectations ("due regard" for others), clarifies where class 1 e-bikes are allowed, preserves disability exemptions, creates a graduated fine structure, and authorizes seizure and impoundment in cases of reckless operation. The draft also referenced the San Diego Electric Bicycle Safety Pilot Program that allows cities to ban children under 12 from operating certain e-bikes.
The hearing drew organized testimony from trail stewards, cycling advocates and many residents. Natalie Osborne and Tim Zarza urged the city not to categorically ban electrically motorized boards (one-wheels), arguing state law and experience in other jurisdictions treat them consistently with bicycles. The San Diego Mountain Biking Association’s executive director, Peter Halbert, said the association supports the ordinance’s goals but asked for clearer, objective language and confirmation that class 1 e-bikes will remain allowed on trails. Several speakers—including the Daily Ranch Trail Crew—requested staff meet with trail volunteers to produce enforceable, practical rules.
Council direction and next steps: Council members asked staff to revise the draft to remove or clarify outdated or difficult-to-enforce provisions (for example, downtown bans on non-motorized devices, bicycle parking restrictions, and blanket dismount requirements), to prepare clearer signage for restricted downtown sidewalks, and to return with an amended ordinance after stakeholder meetings and additional research into other cities’ approaches. Staff also confirmed existing education programs will continue and that the Police Department will partner with schools and community groups to deliver training.
Ending: The council did not adopt the ordinance at the meeting; instead it gave staff explicit direction to refine, conduct outreach and return with a revised, more narrowly tailored proposal that balances safety, recreation and accessibility.
