August 21, 2024
The Honorable Maria Hernandez
Presiding Judge of the Superior Court
700 Civic Center Drive West
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Subject: Response to the 2023-2024 Orange County Grand Jury Report, “E-bikes Friend or Foe”
Dear Judge Hernandez:
As the Mayor of the City of Anaheim, I am pleased to respond on behalf of the City to the 2023-2024 Grand Jury report entitled: “E-bikes Friend or Foe.” The Anaheim City Council approved the responses contained in this letter during the regular session on August 20, 2024.
The City's responses address the Orange County Grand Jury Report's findings and recommendations relevant to our City in accordance with California Penal Code Sections 933.05(a) and 933.05(b).
FINDINGS:
Finding 1:
The majority of Orange County’s 34 cities do not have ordinances or policies in place, which makes it difficult to address the safe operation and regulation of E-bikes leading to confusion.
Response: The City of Anaheim agrees with this finding.
Finding 2:
Due to the increasing incidence of E-bike injuries and deaths, there is a need for consistent and accurate tracking by law enforcement and first responders, which does not exist now.
Response: The City of Anaheim agrees with this finding.
Finding 3:
Training and education on E-bike use and safety varies from City to City causing confusion amongst bike riders.
Response: The City of Anaheim agrees with this finding.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Recommendation 1:
Each Orange County city should have specific policies that define the rules of the road for use of E-bikes in their communities by December 1, 2024.
Response: This recommendation has not yet been implemented but will be implemented in the future. The Police Department is working collaboratively with the Southern California Traffic Officer’s Association, along with the information gathered by the Orange County Transportation Agency, to, wherever possible, bring an industry standard to future legislation in the region while meeting our community's specific needs. The Police Department’s Traffic Section plans to bring forth an initial draft of the municipal code to the City Attorney’s Office by the end of August 2024 to meet the Grand Jury’s recommendation of having specific policies that define the rules of the road for the use of E-bikes in place by December 1, 2024.
Recommendation 2:
Each Orange County city should have a mechanism in place to report accidents, injuries and deaths involving E-bikes by December 1, 2024.
Response: This recommendation has not yet been implemented but will be implemented in the future. The Anaheim Police Department is expanding the traffic reporting policy to specifically address violations of the California Vehicle Code by e-bikes while also documenting accidents, injuries, and deaths within the City limits. Once the procedure has been amended, the Traffic Section will author a department-wide training bulletin notifying all personnel of the change and the proper procedure for recording such incidents to ensure compliance with the recommendation by December 1, 2024.
Recommendation 3:
Each Orange County city should research and develop outreach and education programs regarding the safe operation of E-bikes for their residents by December 1, 2024.
Response: This recommendation has been implemented. Beginning in May of 2024, the Police Department’s Traffic Section has proactively engaged the public by raising awareness of e-bikes and e-bike safety in our community. Initially completed via social media postings and traffic enforcement conducted in an educational vein, the Department also hosted an educational community outreach meeting in July. Moving forward, the City and Police Department are committed to ongoing community engagement and awareness efforts and plan to host safe riding clinics and other educational efforts.
I would like to express my appreciation for the efforts of the Orange County Grand Jury. The City is committed to providing a safe and peaceful environment for all who live, work, and play in Anaheim. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Anaheim Police Captain Eric Trapp at (714) 765-1923 or [email protected].
Respectfully submitted,
Ashleigh Aitken
Mayor