To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: JOE HOFFMAN, CHIEF OF POLICE
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DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION REGARDING E-BIKE USE IN THE CITY OF REDONDO BEACH
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In December 2023, the City Council requested that the Police Department provide a six-month update on electric bicycle (e-bike) use in the City. The Police Department was directed to report back with an update on e-bike enforcement actions, community engagement efforts, public feedback on e-bikes, the current status of legislation, and the reestablishment of a bicycle diversion course through the Los Angeles (L.A.) County Courts system by the City Attorney's Office.
BACKGROUND
Over the last several years, e-bikes have become increasingly popular in the City of Redondo Beach and surrounding areas due to the advantages they provide over traditional bicycles. With the surge in popularity and usage, the Police Department has seen an increase in complaints regarding e-bike riders violating traffic laws throughout the City. The usage and related traffic issues have become increasingly apparent as it pertains to the community's youth, particularly students in middle school and high school, who operate e-bikes, but have not yet obtained a driver's license.
Within the past six months, the Police Department has been actively enforcing laws concerning e-bikes, resulting in the issuance of over 100 e-bike citations. The primary infractions leading to these citations are absence of helmets, failure to stop at posted stop signs, and riding with passengers illegally. Additionally, the Police Department has partnered with the Hermosa Beach Police Department, Manhattan Beach Police Department, and the El Segundo Police Department to assist with a rotating monthly, multi-jurisdictional e-bike enforcement detail in each city. These varied enforcement techniques reflect the Police Department's commitment to promoting safety and compliance among e-bike riders in the community.
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