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Residents urge action on e‑bikes after riders spook horses; local shop owner defends business
Summary
At public comment, residents asked the council to consider regulation after electric bikes that can reach higher speeds spooked horses; a local e‑bike shop owner said his business sells only street‑legal models and that the community lacks safe places for kids to ride.
During public comment the council heard competing perspectives on electric bicycles and equestrian safety in Norco.
Jerry Lundy, a Bluff Street resident, said e-bikes are becoming a safety problem in the city’s rural areas and recounted an incident near Circle K where a horse slipped, fell and broke its leg after being spooked by a quiet e-bike. Lundy asked the council to place the issue on an agenda for further consideration.
Richard Gregory, who identified himself as the owner of an e-bike store on 6th Street, said his shop sells only street-legal e-bikes, checks customers and recommends helmets. "The only e bikes that we sell at our store are street legal," he said. Gregory said many kids lack safe bike lanes and that traffic speeds on 6th Street make riding hazardous regardless of vehicle type.
Council members acknowledged the safety concern and noted staff is aware of conversations around e-bike safety; no formal policy action was taken at the meeting, but council members said they would consider follow‑up based on staff recommendations and additional community input.
