TEMECULA, CA – As e-bike ridership increases in Temecula, the city announced Friday that it will review safety rules surrounding the alternative form of transportation.
“Electric bikes are emerging as an efficient mode of transportation and a fun outdoor recreational opportunity that the city wholeheartedly supports, but we need to make sure riders follow the law for their own protection and those they ride with.” along the same. roads and trails,” said Temecula Mayor James Stewart.
Cities across the region are grappling with how to make e-bike transportation safer in their communities. Of particular concern are young riders who lack experience navigating through traffic and are more inclined to engage in reckless behaviors such as ignoring stop signs/traffic signals, riding at excessive speeds in pedestrian areas, cross roads in front of the oncoming traffic and do stunts in the city. parks and roads.
Stewart said the city is reviewing existing laws and exploring additional regulations.
“We will take a comprehensive approach that includes education and enforcement to ensure the safety of everyone who shares the city’s roads and trail system,” he said.
The sheriff’s department and Temecula Valley Unified School District are partnering to raise awareness among young e-bike riders commuting to and from school.
“Our goal is to avoid imminent tragedies by engaging with students, as well as their parents who probably do not know that their child or teenager rides with little respect for safety; often illegally and without helmets,” said Police Captain of Temecula Chris Durham.
Anyone under the age of 18 must wear a helmet on any type of bicycle or e-bike, and Class 3 e-bikes and e-motorcycles require helmets regardless of age.
An ongoing safety campaign aimed at TVUSD students dubbed “Caught with your Helmet On” rewards helmet riders with gift cards. In addition, local nonprofit Bike Temecula Valley, the TVUSD and sheriff’s deputies are promoting bike safety strategies and introducing “Rules of the Road” at school assemblies throughout the city, according to the city.
The sheriff’s department and TVUSD are also implementing a plan that requires students to attend mandatory free education classes before being allowed to ride their electric bikes or motorized scooters to and from school and park on campus. Classes would begin with the next school year, according to the city.
The program will educate students about the rules of the road, e-bike laws, helmet safety, interactions with vehicles and pedestrians, and more, according to the city.
All cyclists – e-bike riders included – are subject to the same rules of the road as motorists. Cyclists who do not follow the laws are subject to tickets and fines as defined by the California Vehicle Code and local municipal code.
“If the positive engagement, education, awareness and warnings are not respected, parents and their children can expect us to cite the rider and seize their electric bike if necessary,” said Durham. “This is not punitive; it is literally to save his life.”
The subject of e-bike safety will be placed on the agenda of the next Temecula Traffic Safety Commission meeting for general discussion and direction. Members of the public are invited to share their comments with the commission. February 6 pm. The meeting on the 22nd will be held at City Hall, 41000 Main Street.
