CITY COUNCIL
Joe Franklin
Mayor
Amy Howorth
Mayor Pro Tem
David Lesser
Councilmember
Steve Napolitano
Councilmember
Richard Montgomery
Councilmember
MANHATTAN BEACH CITY HALL
1400 Highland Avenue, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
www.manhattanbeach.gov • (310) 802-5000
June 13, 2024
The Honorable Tasha Boerner
Member, California State Assembly
1021 O Street, Suite 4150
Sacramento, CA 95814
RE: AB 2234 (Boerner) Vehicles: electric bicycles.
Notice of SUPPORT ( 6/12/2024 )
Dear Assembly Member Boerner,
The City of Manhattan Beach is pleased to support AB 2234 (Boerner), which would establish the “San Diego Electric Bicycle Safety Pilot Program” and authorize a local authority within the County of San Diego, to adopt an ordinance or resolution that would prohibit a person under 12 years of age from operating a class 1 or 2 electric bicycle. Additionally, the bill would make a violation of an ordinance or resolution that is adopted an infraction punishable by either a fine of $25 or completion of an electric bicycle safety and training course.
With the increasing popularity of e-bikes as an alternative mode of transportation and recreation, there has been a corresponding rise in safety concerns and regulatory ambiguities surrounding their use. Currently, there is a lack of standardized safety training and education programs specifically tailored to e-bike riders, leading to potential risks for both riders and other road users. Additionally, the absence of clear regulations regarding age restrictions and licensing requirements for e-bike operators has created confusion and inconsistencies in enforcement practices.
With the increased use of e-bikes in Manhattan Beach, the City began partnering with Manhattan Beach Unified School District and local bike shops to educate riders about the importance of following the rules of the road while operating a bicycle or e-bike. However, these efforts are only one part of the solution to address bicycle safety and regulations were needed.
At the September 5 meeting, the City Council adopted an urgency ordinance amending the Manhattan Beach Municipal Code (MBMC) establishing a speed limit, safety and operational standards, and location restrictions for bicycles, e-bikes, and motorized bicycles. The City Council also established The Honorable State Assemblymember Tasha Boerner
June 13, 2024
fines associated with violations of this ordinance that are increased with each subsequent violation within one year.
While e-bikes have become popular and are a great way to reduce our reliance on cars, pollution, and traffic, they aren’t toys and can be dangerous when not operated properly, The City has put teeth behind our commitment to safety, and the Manhattan Beach Police Department has been enforcing the ordinance, in the absence of sensible statewide regulations.
While the City of Manhattan Beach hoped that this bill would be statewide, the City supports legislative efforts that enhance regulations to address electric bicycle use and promote public safety.
Should this pilot program become successful, the City hopes the program can expand and the City can benefit from the enhanced regulations.
For these reasons, the City of Manhattan Beach supports AB 2234 (Boerner).
Sincerely,
Joe Franklin
Mayor
City of Manhattan Beach
Cc: City of Manhattan Beach City Council
The Honorable State Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi
The Honorable State Senator Ben Allen
South Bay Cities Council of Governments
Jeff Kiernan, League of California Cities Public Affairs Manager League of California Cities, [email protected]
California Contract Cities Association