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Lake Forest introduces first reading of ordinance to tighten ebike rules in parks and playgrounds
Summary
Councilors introduced a first‑reading ordinance updating municipal code to prohibit ebike operation on playgrounds, fields and courts and to authorize temporary perimeters and signage at events; staff said the measure is not an outright ban and the council voted to introduce the ordinance unanimously.
The Lake Forest City Council on July 21 introduced a first‑reading ordinance to update municipal code chapter 12.24 to clarify where electric bicycles (ebikes) are allowed, strengthen enforcement tools, and prohibit operation on playgrounds, sports fields and courts.
Senior management analyst Robert Baumann told the council ebike use has surged and the city has received complaints about unsafe operation on sidewalks and damage or disruptions at high‑volume events such as those at the Lake Forest Sports Park. Baumann said current code includes general limits—such as a 5 mph sidewalk speed and prohibition on unsafe operation—but staff recommended more specific restrictions and the ability for staff to designate temporary perimeters and signage to prohibit ebike use in event areas.
Baumann stressed the ordinance is not an outright ban: ebikes would remain allowable on sidewalks or designated bike paths when ridden safely. The presentation noted crowd‑management steps already in use at the sports park—barricades, signage, enhanced staffing and designated ebike storage areas—and said future actions would address enforcement and penalties.
Public commenters described safety incidents and nuisance behavior. Bob Holtzclaw (resident) said ebikes passing close behind pedestrians have caused falls and urged banning ebikes from sidewalks; Mark Hermanson cautioned that pushing youth away from parks could move the behavior into parking lots or streets; Sean Fletcher, a teacher and park volunteer, said throttle‑equipped ebikes are the main problem and recommended limits tied to licensing or vehicle class.
Council members expressed support for the ordinance as an initial step to protect park users and said they expect further discussion of penalties and enforcement in future agenda items. Council moved to introduce the ordinance (first reading); the motion passed unanimously.
Staff said administrative citations currently apply to unsafe operation and that additional penalty provisions will be discussed in a follow‑up item. The ordinance will return for subsequent readings and ordinance adoption steps as required by the municipal process.
