To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: JOE HOFFMAN, CHIEF OF POLICE
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DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING POLICE DEPARTMENT EFFORTS TO ENFORCE SAFE E-BIKE USE, FORMING A CITY E-BIKE TASK FORCE, AND APPROVAL OF A LETTER SUPPORTING ASSEMBLY BILL 530
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The popularity and increased use of electric bicycles (E-bikes) in Redondo Beach has prioritized the Police Department’s focus on ensuring safety for riders and all members of the community. The Police Department continues to conduct traditional methods of bicycle education and enforcement. E-bike usage has grown substantially in the City of Redondo Beach as well as in other neighboring communities. A presentation on the Department’s continued E-Bike efforts will be provided at the December 5 meeting.
Enforcement and education of E-bike riders requires collaboration between multiple City Departments and community stakeholders to fully address safe operation on our roadways. An inclusive Task Force, coordinated by the Office of the City Manager, would allow for an efficient gathering of stakeholders to collect input and help develop recommendations for enhanced traffic safety measures. Redondo Unified School District Officials, and others, have expressed interest in participating in such a task force.
It has been noted that pending State legislation has the potential to further improve E-bike safety. Assembly Bill (AB) 530, as proposed, would govern E-bike operations in California and implement additional safety measures. It is recommended that the City Council approve a letter supporting AB 530 (see attached) to be sent to the California State Assembly and to further establish the City’s stance on prioritizing E-bike safety.
BACKGROUND
On November 1, 2022, the Police Department’s Special Operations Bureau provided a presentation to the Redondo Beach City Council on the different types and use of E-bikes in the City. The discussion included enforcement, education, and laws pertaining to the use of E-bikes. Upon the conclusion of the presentation, the City Council recommended installing signage around Redondo Union High School prohibiting the use of bicycles on the sidewalk. The City Council also encouraged the Police Department to continue their efforts in educating the community and conducting enforcement.
Since the November 1, 2022 City Council meeting, the Police Department conducted several E-bike enforcement details, produced educational videos, created social media postings, and participated in many community engagement events educating citizens, especially our youth, on E-bike safety.
The Police Department continually re-evaluates its current practices and explores additional methods which may have a greater impact on community safety. Due to the increasing popularity of E-bike use, roadway safety, specifically involving operation of E-bikes, continues to be a significant issue. A Task Force, between the Police Department, multiple City Departments, community stakeholders, and residents could bolster efforts to ensure E-bike safety by strategizing ways to enhance enforcement of regulations, public education, community messaging, environmental design, existing laws, and community engagement.
A Task Force, led by the Office of the City Manager, would allow for critical City public safety and public works personnel to collaborate with key community members in an efficient way, without the time and clerical burden required of formal Brown Act committees. The Task Force would be charged with gathering community input and developing recommendations for enhanced public education and traffic safety measures for consideration by the City Council. Each appropriate City Department would be represented on the Task Force to help gather information, make recommendations, and implement strategies pursuant to their function. Community stakeholders, local business owners, and residents could also provide valuable input as priorities and strategies are developed. The Redondo Beach Unified School District, Beach Cities Health District and others have expressed interest in assisting with the creation of sensible E-bike safety measures and helping reach a greater number of E-bike users. The task force would seek to identify metrics that track the success of new initiatives and provide periodic evaluation reports.
Pending legislation at the State level is another critical factor in increasing E-bike safety. AB 530 was authored by the Honorable Assembly Member, Tasha Boerner from the 77th District. AB 530 aims to amend section 21213 of the California Vehicle Code which governs the safe operation of electric bicycles on the roadway. Currently, section 21213 classifies three types of E-bikes. Pursuant to this section, the only requirements are that a rider of a class 3 E-bike be at least 16 years of age and wear a helmet. E-bike riders already must obey the rules of the road as outlined in the California Vehicle Code and local City regulations.
AB 530 allocates resources to improve traffic infrastructure and foster a safer environment for all who utilize the roadway. Currently, e-bike riders are not required to learn the rules of the road, and the City of Redondo Beach has documented traffic collisions and traffic violations related to the improper operation of E-bikes on the City roadways. The passage of AB 530 would prohibit the use of E-Bikes by anyone under the age of 12 years old. Also, a licensing program would be created that requires a safety testing process along with mandatory photo identification for E-bike riders. AB 530 would also allow for the forming of a stakeholder working group to have ongoing discussions on best practices for training and education related to electric bicycle usage on the roadway.
The approval of AB 530, would allow cities to make additional strides improving traffic safety and boost the safer accessibility and utilization of electric bicycles. This legislation aligns with Redondo Beach’s commitment to sustainable transportation and would undoubtedly contribute to a safer and more eco-friendly landscape. A draft letter in support of AB 530 is attached for consideration of approval.
COORDINATION
The Police Department coordinated this report with the City Manager’s Office.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the item. E-Bike enforcement efforts are included in the Police Department’s annual operating budget. Staff participation in a City Task Force would be part of the involved departments’ regular work plan.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
• E-Bike Presentation
• E-Bike Presentation 2022
• AB530 Draft Letter of Support
• AB530 Bill Text 2023-2024