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Belvedere approves first reading of e‑bike safety ordinance; council warns $25 fine may lack teeth
Summary
Council approved the first reading of an ordinance implementing AB 1778’s model rules for Class 2 e‑bikes (helmet requirement, under‑16 prohibition and a $25 citation); members and police raised practical enforcement concerns and asked staff to explore higher fines and educational partnerships before the second reading in June.
The council voted to approve the first reading of an ordinance adopting AB 1778 pilot provisions for Class 2 electric bicycles, which will make it unlawful for anyone under 16 to operate a Class 2 e‑bike, require helmets for Class 2 operators and allow the city to impose a $25 citation for violations, with option to attend training in lieu of the fine.
Staff explained the package was modeled on the county’s pilot and noted a significant county outreach and education component. "It prohibits anyone under the age of 16 from operating a class 2 e bike," staff told the council. Police and council members raised concerns about practical enforcement: how officers determine riders’ ages in the field, whether officers can stop riders without probable cause and whether $25 is enough to deter risky behavior.
Police representatives said many helmet and vehicle violations are easiest to address when paired with another, objective vehicle code violation, and that parental engagement and education often produce better results than small fines. "The point is to educate," one officer said. Council members asked staff to research whether a higher penalty or a tiered fine for bus stops/sidewalks/parks is permissible under state law and to return before the ordinance’s second reading with additional enforcement options; staff said they would do so and recommended moving ahead with the first reading to stay aligned with county timing.
The council directed staff to pursue outreach with schools and local clubs, and the ordinance is scheduled for a second reading in June with a potential effective date in July.
