September 19, 2024
To: The Honorable Maria Hernandez
Presiding Judge of the Superior Court of Orange County
700 Civic Center Drive West
Santa Ana, CA 92701
From: Mayor John Stephens
City of Costa Mesa
77 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Dear Honorable Judge Hernandez:
Below is the City of Costa Mesa’s response to the Findings within the Grand Jury Report, E-bikes Friend or Foe, dated June 13, 2024.
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. The City agrees with this finding; however, it takes the view that many cities are different in form and culture, requiring the need for ordinances and policies that are specifically tailored to the community.
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. The City agrees with this finding; however, it will take a State mandate from the California Highway Patrol and changes to the Collision Investigation Manual (CIM) to properly track electric bicycle collisions statewide for comparison purposes.
Training and education on E-bike use and safety varies from city to city causing confusion amongst bike riders. The City agrees with this finding; however, training and education should also have specific aspects designed to account for attributes that are unique to the community.
Below is the City of Costa Mesa’s response to the Recommendations made within the Grand Jury Report, E-bikes Friend or Foe, dated June 13, 2024.
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, 2014. At the July 16, 2024 City Council Meeting, the Council approved Municipal Code updates that outline rules of the road for individuals riding electric bicycles.
Each Orange County city should have a mechanism in place to report accidents, injuries and deaths involving E-bikes by December 1, 2024. The Costa Mesa Police Department has established an internal means to track electric bicycle collisions. However, it will take a State mandate from the California Highway Patrol and changes to the Collision Investigation Manual (CIM) to properly track electric bicycle collisions statewide for comparison purposes.
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. The City currently has a Bicycle Safety Education Program in place that provides training on electric bicycle operation to adults and children throughout the community. One class was held at an elementary school, and one all ages community event has been held. Thirty additional events are planned and funded.
Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact the City of Costa Mesa’s Active Transportation Coordinator, Brett Atencio Thomas, at 714-754-5275 or [email protected].
Sincerely,
Mayor John Stephens
City of Costa Mesa
C Costa Mesa City Council
Lori Ann Farrell Harrison, City Manager
Raja Sethuraman, Public Works Director
Brett Atencio Thomas, Active Transportation Coordinator
77 FAIR DRIVE
PHONE: (714) 754-5343 FAX: (714) 754-5028 www.costamesaca.gov
CITY OF COSTA MESA
CALIFORNIA 92628-1200 P.O. Box 1200
FROM THE OFFICE OF THE MAYOR