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ARTICLE I
GENERAL
§ 5-1 Purpose.
The purpose of this Chapter is to implement regulations, pursuant to the City’s police power, on the operation and use of bicycles, nonmotorized vehicles, and mobility devices; to promote the public health, safety, and welfare of riders, pedestrians, and motorists; and to prevent damage to public infrastructure.
§ 5-2 Scope.
The provisions of this Article will serve as the rules and regulations for the use of bicycles, nonmotorized vehicles, and mobility devices on any public roadway, street, highway, parkway, right-of-way, alley, or other public area within the City of Escondido. § 5-3 Definitions.
The following definitions apply to this Article. Words and phrases whenever used in this Article must be construed as defined in this section, unless from the context a different meaning is intended, a different meaning is specifically defined, or more par ticularly directed to the use of such words or phrases:
“Bicycle” has the same meaning as in California Vehicle Code section 231, as it may be amended from time to time.
(a) “Due regard” means the level of care that a reasonably prudent and competent person engaged in the same line of activity would exercise under similar circumstances. (b) “Mobility device” means electric bicycles, electric personal assistive mobility devices, electrically motorized boards, low-speed vehicles, motorized scooters, motor vehicles, shared mobility devices, or other similar vehicles. These devices can be defined as:
(1) “Class 1 electric bicycle” means the same as in California Vehicle Code section 312.5(a), as it may be amended from time to time.
(2) “Electric bicycle” has the same meaning as in California Vehicle Code section 312.5, as it may be amended from time to time.
(3) “Electric personal assistive mobility device” has the same meaning as in California Vehicle Code section 313, as it may be amended from time to time. (4) “Electrically motorized boards” has the same meaning as in California Vehicle Code section 313.5, as it may be amended from time to time. (5) “Low speed vehicle” has the same meaning as in California Vehicle Code section 385.5, as it may be amended from time to time.
(6) “Motor vehicle” has the same meaning as in California Vehicle Code section 415, as it may be amended from time to time.
(7) “Motorized scooter” has the same meaning as in California Vehicle Code section 407.5, as it may be amended from time to time.
(8) “Shared mobility device” has the same meaning as in California Civil Code Ordinance No. 2026-07
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section 2505, as it may be amended from time to time.
(9) “Vehicle” has the same meaning as in California Vehicle Code section 670, as it may be amended from time to time.
(c) “Nonmotorized vehicle” means any wheeled device upon which a person may ride and be propelled by human power. The definition includes skateboards, roller skates, roller blades, coasters, scooters, and other wheeled devices.
(d) “Operator” means a person who owns, operates, and/or controls a bicycle, mobility device, or nonmotorized vehicle.
(e) “Open space” means any undeveloped public property either that possesses one or more of the following traits:
(1) primarily in its natural state, including canyons and unimproved waterways; or (2) that is held out by the City; or City;
(3) used by the public for passive recreational purposes, conservation, or habitat preservation; or
(4) that maintains or enhances the conservation of natural or scenic resources. (f) “Park” means any public property, whether developed or undeveloped, held out by the City or used by the public for active or passive park and recreation uses, including adjacent buffer lands and natural areas, and any adjacent parking lots and perimeter sidewalks. The definition of park includes open space.
(g) “Passenger” means a traveler riding in or on a mobility device who is not operating it.
The definition of passenger is synonymous with the term “rider.” (h) “Public area” means any outdoor area that is open to the members of the public for public use, whether owned or operated by the City or a private party. (i) “Recreational area” means a park, playground, recreation center, public school athletic field, or any other area in the City owned or used by the City which is devoted to active or passive recreation. It shall include all adjacent facilities used in conjunction with the park, such as restrooms and locker rooms.
(j) “Reckless operation” means operation of an electric bicycle in willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property, including but not limited to:
(1) excessive speed under the circumstances;
(2) weaving through traffic in a manner that endangers others; (3) riding on sidewalks in violation of posted prohibitions while endangering pedestrians;
(4) running stop signs or traffic signals in a manner that creates a hazard; orother conduct that violates California Vehicle Code section 23103 (reckless driving) as applied to bicycles under section 21200. This definition is consistent with the standard applied to motor vehicles and provides fair notice of prohibited conduct.
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§ 5-4 Operation of Bicycles, Nonmotorized Vehicles, and Mobility Devices. (a) Any person operating or riding on a bicycle, mobility device, or nonmotorized vehicle upon a roadway will be granted those rights and subject to those duties established by the laws of the State of California and by this Code, which apply to persons operating or riding in a vehicle, except for those provisions that, by their nature, can have no application.
(b) Any person operating or riding on a bicycle, mobility device, or nonmotorized vehicle must exercise due regard and observe all applicable laws. Operating a bicycle, mobility device, or nonmotorized vehicle without due regard includes, but is not limited to, any one or more of the following:
(1) Violating any Escondido Municipal Code, California Vehicle Code, or other existing law.
(2) Intentionally swerving or riding around stopped or slowed traffic. (3) Operating a bicycle, mobility device, or nonmotorized vehicle in a manner it was not designed for, including carrying passengers when not intended for carrying passengers.
(4) Not obeying posted signs or traffic control signals. (5) Intentionally conducting a “wheelie.” For purposes of this section, “wheelie” means lifting one or more wheels of a bicycle, mobility device, or nonmotorized vehicle into the air while riding on a highway, bike lane, or bike path. (6) Attempting to perform any acrobatic trick or stunt. (7) Operating a bicycle, mobility device, or nonmotorized vehicle in any manner that endangers the operator, passengers, other motorists, other riders, or pedestrians in the area.
(8) Operating on any street, road, highway, or bicycle lane against the direction of traffic.
(9) Operating at a speed greater than 20 miles per hour on any street, road, highway, bicycle path, bicycle lane, or other area generally open to public access. (10) Operating at any speed greater than is reasonable or prudent under the conditions existing at the time.
(11) Failing to yield to pedestrians.
(12) Operating while hitched to or physically attached to any moving vehicle or motorized device.
(13) Operating while failing to yield the right-of-way to any and all pedestrians (14) Failing to yield the right-of-way to a vehicle upon entering a roadway or driveway from a sidewalk.
(c) No person operating or riding a bicycle or electric bicycle will carry another person unless the bicycle or electric bicycle is designed and equipped for passengers, including a Ordinance No. 2026-07
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separate seat securely attached to the bicycle or electric bicycle, as required by California Vehicle Code section 21204.
(d) Operations on City trails. Persons operating or riding a bicycle or nonmotorized vehicle on a City trail must dismount the bicycle or nonmotorized vehicle where the trail width is less than 5 feet, and a pedestrian or equine is within a distance of fifty (50) feet of the rider or operator.
(e) Helmets. Any person under the age of 18 operating or riding a bicycle, mobility device, or nonmotorized vehicle must wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet, pursuant to the guidelines in the California Vehicle Code. It is unlawful for any person to wear a helmet in any manner other than the fashion for which the helmet is designed to be worn, including, but not limited to, the use of straps and strap closure mechanisms. § 5-5. Areas of Operation.
(a) Bicycles, mobility devices, and nonmotorized vehicles are prohibited where posted. It is prohibited to operate or ride on a bicycle, mobility device, or nonmotorized vehicle in public areas where signs prohibiting such activity are posted or as otherwise outlined in this ordinance.
(b) Sidewalks.
(1) Mobility devices are prohibited on sidewalks. Mobility devices, such as electric bicycles and motor vehicles, are prohibited from operating on any sidewalk in the City.
(2) Bicycles operated by minors aged 12 or under may be ridden on public sidewalks provided they are operated with due regard. Bicycles operated by persons over the age of 12 are prohibited from being operated on sidewalks. (3) Nonmotorized vehicles may be operated on sidewalks except where signs prohibiting such activity are posted or as otherwise outlined in this ordinance. (c) No operating or riding on public facilities. No person shall operate or ride a bicycle, mobility device, or nonmotorized vehicle in any public drainage facility, culvert, ditch, or channel in the City.
(d) Nonmotorized vehicles are prohibited in certain areas. (1) No person shall ride a nonmotorized vehicle on any sidewalk, public roadway or municipal parking lot within the central traffic district as defined in Escondido Municipal Code section 28-1, unless specifically authorized in subsection (b). (2) A person may ride a nonmotorized vehicle on Hickory Street and Valley Boulevard, located on the east side of the central traffic district as defined in Escondido Municipal Code section 28-1.
(e) Class 1 electric bicycles permitted. Class 1 electric bicycles are permitted on marked trails provided they are operated with due regard and follow all applicable laws, including the provisions of this Chapter.
(f) Except as permitted in subsection (e) of this section, mobility devices, such as electric bicycles and motor vehicles, are prohibited from riding or operating on trails or natural Ordinance No. 2026-07
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spaces in parks, open spaces, and recreational areas, including but not limited to the following areas:
(1) City trails.
(2) John Masson Memorial Bike Park.
(3) Kit Carson Park.
(4) Daley Ranch.
§ 5-6 Minimum age to operate mobility devices.
(a) Purpose. California Vehicle Code section 21214.7 authorizes local governments in San Diego County to adopt ordinances prohibiting persons under 12 years of age from operating Class 1 or Class 2 electric bicycl es. The City wishes to enact an ordinance in order to promote the safe and efficient use of sidewalks, bicycle paths, pathways, trails, bicycle lanes, and other pedestrian and bicycle facilities in the City. (b) Information Campaign. As required by state law, a public information campaign regarding the ordinance will be administered for at least 30 days prior to the date of this Ordinance. (c) Prohibition on Operation of Class 1 and Class 2 Electric Bicycles. No person under the age of 12 years old may operate or ride within the City a Class 1 or Class 2 electric bicycle, as defined in California Vehicle Code section 312.5.
(d) Enforcement. A person convicted of an infraction for a violation of this section shall be punished as follows:
(1) For the first 60 days after adoption of this section, a warning notice. (2) After the first 60 days following adoption of this section, a fine not exceeding $25.00.
(e) Expiration. This section will remain in effect until January 1, 2029, or until California Vehicle Code section 21214.7 expires, whichever occurs later . This section will have no force or effect upon expiration.
§ 5-7 Enforcement and Education Program.
(a) Authorization to enforce. A peace officer or any City employee tasked with enforcing traffic laws and regulations is authorized to enforce this Chapter. The City Manager may designate others to enforce this chapter. Such persons will be considered “Enforcement Officers” within the meaning of Chapter 1A of this Code. (b) Alternative penalty. In lieu of a fine or administrative penalty, as authorized by this code, and in lieu of filing charges in any court having jurisdiction over a violation, the police chief—or his or her designee—may allow a violator of this Chapter to complete a police department-approved safety course for bicycles, nonmotorized vehicles, and/or mobility devices.
§ 5-8 Violations.
(a) Pursuant to Government Code section 53069.4, an Enforcement Officer may issue an Ordinance No. 2026-07
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administrative citation for any violation of this Chapter. Prior notice of violation is not a prerequisite to the issuance of an administrative citation under this Chapter. (b) A person is guilty of a separate offense for each and every violation of this Chapter that person commits, causes, permits, or allows to occur, exist, or continue. (c) Any person, irrespective of age, found in violation of any provision of this Chapter may be issued an administrative citation in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter. (d) Every parent, guardian, or other person who has the legal care, custody, or control of any person under the age of 18 years, and who knows , or reasonably should know , that a minor is in violation of this Chapter, is subject to the issuance of an administrative citation.
(e) Every parent, guardian, or other person will be held jointly and severally liable for all fines, fees, penalties, and storage costs, as described in section 5-9. (f) Nothing in this Chapter is intended to limit any of the penalties provided for under the Health and Safety Code, Penal Code, or other sections of this Code. § 5-9 Seizure of Bicycles, Mobility Devices, and Nonmotorized Vehicles. (a) Purpose. The purpose of the seizure and impound of bicycles, mobility devices, and nonmotorized vehicles , when operated without due regard or recklessly , is to remove property that jeopardizes public safety and convenience and prevent the impediment of traffic.
(b) In addition to any fines or penalties authorized by this Chapter, the Chief of Police or designee may seize any bicycle, mobility device (including Class 1, 2, or 3 electric bicycles), or nonmotorized vehicle when the operator has been cited for:
(1) reckless operation in violation of this Chapter or the California Vehicle Code; or (2) failure to exercise due regard, as defined in section 5-3, for the safety of persons or property.
(c) In addition to any fines or penalties authorized by this Chapter, the Chief of Police or designee may seize any bicycle, mobility device (including Class 1, 2, or 3 electric bicycles), or nonmotorized vehicle when the operator has three or more violations of this Chapter within a twelve (12) month period.
(d) Procedure. Pursuant to authority granted by state law, recklessly operating or failing to exercise due regard, in violation of this Code, is a public nuisance and may be abated by the City. The seizing officer must provide written notice to the operator or owner at the time of seizure, identifying the reason for seizure, the location where the bicycle, mobility device, or nonmotorized vehicle is stored, and procedures for retrieval. The bicycle, mobility device, or nonmotorized vehicle may be retained as ev idence until final adjudication of the criminal citation or complaint, and will be released to the lawful owner upon presentation of proof of ownership.
(e) This section should not be construed to conflict with state law or to authorize impoundment in circumstances preempted by the California Vehicle Code.
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(f) A storage fee will accompany the seizure of a bicycle, mobility device, or nonmotorized vehicle in an amount to be established by resolution of the City Council. Storage fees will accrue daily until retrieval.
§ 5-10 Penalty.
(a) Any person violating any of the provisions of this Chapter is guilty of an infraction and, upon conviction, will be punished by a fine. Any violation may also be subject to civil penalties and any other legal remedy provided in this Code or state law.
Each violation described in this Chapter may be charged as a separate count for each occurrence. Fines may increase for repeat violations within a 12-month period. (1) A fine shall not exceed $50 for a first violation.
(2) A fine shall not exceed $100 for a second violation. (3) A fine shall not exceed $200 for each additional violation. (b) Enforcement for minors under the age of 12. Pursuant to section 5-6, a minor convicted of an infraction for a violation of this section shall be punished as follows:
(1) For the first 60 days after adoption of this section, a warning notice. (2) After the first 60 days following adoption of this section, a fine not exceeding $25.00.
§ 5-11 Exceptions.
(a) Public agency personnel. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Chapter, or any other section of this Code, City and public agency personnel may operate mobility devices or other vehicles at any place in the City in the performance of their official duties.
(b) Persons with Disabilities. Nothing in this Chapter will apply to or restrict the lawful use of wheelchairs or other assistive mobility devices by persons with disabilities, as protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq.), the Rehabilitation Act (29 U.S.C. §794), or California Civil Code section 54 et seq. § 5-12 Appeals.
A citation or impound fee issued for failure to comply with the provisions of this section may be appealed pursuant to procedures established in section 1A-9 of this Code. § 5-13 Severability.
If any portion of this Chapter, or its application to particular persons or circumstances, is held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a final decision of a court of competent jurisdiction, or due to the expiration of authority by state law, the decision will not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Chapter or the application of the Chapter to persons or circumstances not similarly situated.
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KEY-
CONSENT CALENDAR CURRENT BUSINESS
PUBLIC HEARING WORKSHOP PROCLAMATION
7/1/2026 - NO MEETING
7/8/2026 - NO MEETING
7/15/2026 - NO MEETING
7/22/2026 - NO MEETING
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