Residents raise safety concerns over e-bikes, urge local ordinance work

Residents at the Latino Advisory Committee meeting on Aug. 3 urged the group to begin work on local regulations and infrastructure for electric bicycles, saying current state classifications don’t address some bikes’ speed and local safety concerns.

“¿Han pensado algo sobre las bicicletas, las eléctricas, hacer caminos o reglamentos o algo?” asked a resident during public comment, pressing the committee to consider pathways or rules. The chair noted state classifications (class 1, 2, 3) but said some companies are selling faster class‑3‑style bikes that nonetheless meet state requirements, creating a gap in local control.

Speakers described near‑misses between children and fast riders and differing expectations about where bikes should operate. “Tuve que mover a una niña que es como de 2 años para que no lo pegaran,” said a participant recounting an incident in which a toddler had to be moved to avoid collision.

The committee discussed options including drafting local ordinances, working with public works and police on signage, and coordinating with neighboring municipalities that already have rules. No formal motion was made at the meeting; members said they would ask staff to follow up with draft language and outreach to stakeholders before presenting possible ordinances to the council or a future meeting.