City o
f Simi Valley
Staff Report
February
23, 2026
To: City Co
uncil
From: Po
lice Department,
Steve Shorts, Chief of Police
Subjec
t: Introduction and First Reading of Ordinance No. 1367, Amending Simi Valley Municipal Code Section 4-3.22-Bicycles on Sidewalks and Side Paths Staff
Recommendation
Introd
uce and approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 1367 (Attachment A) amending Section 4- 3.22 of Chapter 3, Title 4 of the Simi Valley Municipal Code to modernize regulations governing bicycles, electric bicycles (e- bikes), scooters, and similar conveyances operating on sidewalks and side paths.
Back
ground
Over t
he past several years, the City of Simi Valley has experienced increased use of electric bicycles (e-bikes) and other micro-mobility devices. E-bikes are classified under State law as Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3, with varying operating characteristics and top assisted speeds. While the California Vehicle Code establishes definitions, helmet requirements, equipment standards, and certain operational rules, the City’s existing ordinance predates widespread e- bike use and does not clearly address moder n classifications or establish operating standards specific to sidewalks, sidepaths, and park pathways.
As use h
as increased, the City and the Police Department have observed safety concerns and received public complaints about excessive speed, failure to yield to pedestrians, and unsafe riding behavior in pedestrian-oriented areas.
The Cit
y Council has previously received information regarding the growth of e- bike use and related safety concerns. Prior Council direction included monitoring e-bike trends and impacts on public safety, supporting education- focused enforcement efforts, evaluating regulatory approaches adopted by surrounding jurisdictions, and encouraging coordination with schools, parents, and community stakeholders.
The propos
ed amendments are consistent with this direction and are intended to modernize the Municipal Code to reflect current technology, usage patterns, and community safety expectations.
Agenda Item No.
9A
Discussion
A
dvances in technology and the growing availability of e- bikes have contributed to increased e‑bike use throughout the community. Many newer e‑bike models are capable of reaching higher speeds than traditional bicycles and are frequently operated in areas with heavy pedestrian activity, including sidewalks, parks, and shared‑use paths.
T
he primary concerns involve excessive speed, failure to yield to pedestrians, unsafe maneuvers, and operations inconsistent with the intended use of pedestrian- oriented facilities. While the California Vehicle Code establishes definitions, helmet requirements, equipment standards, and certain operational rules for electric bicycles and related devices, the City’s existing ordinance predates widespread e- bike use and does not clearly address modern classifications or establish locally enforceable standards specific to sidewalks and sidepaths.
T
he proposed ordinance amendment does not create a new citywide prohibition on bicycles or e-bikes on sidewalks. Instead, it establishes operating standards and safety requirements in pedestrian-oriented areas, consistent with State law and within the City’s local regulatory authority.
Mo
re specifically, the proposed amendments would:
• I
ncorporate electric bicycle definitions consistent with State law; • Prohibit operation of a covered conveyance in an unsafe manner on sidewalks and similar pedestrian facilities;
• Establish a maximum speed of fifteen (15) miles per hour on sidewalks and pedestrian paths, or lower when conditions require;
• Reinforce helmet and equipment requirements established under State law; • Prohibit tampering with an electric bicycle in violation of State law; • Authorize regulation by signage where necessary for public safety; • Provide education- based enforcement options, including completion of the California Highway Patrol Electric Bicycle Safety Course for first-time violators; and • Exempt mobility devices used by persons with disabilities.
Th
e ordinance defines “unsafe manner” to include conduct such as failing to yield to pedestrians, operating at excessive speed for conditions, performing stunts, or disregarding posted signage. These standards provide clearer guidance to riders and enforcement personnel while prioritizing pedestrian safety.
S
everal nearby jurisdictions have adopted similar measures to address e‑ bike safety concerns, including:
• M
oorpark: Restrictions in recreational areas and emphasis on youth safety education.
• Ventura: Class-based rules and increased enforcement in parks and beachfront areas.
2 • Oxnard: Regulation of sidewalk and trail use and enforcement involving modified e-bikes.
• Camarillo: Focus on age restrictions and helmet compliance, particularly through school partnerships.
• Santa Paula: Emphasis on alignment with State law and public education. • Fillmore: Park-specific restrictions with an education-first enforcement approach. • County of Ventura: Class-based limitations for e- bike use on regional trails and park facilities.
T
he proposed amendments align Simi Valley with regional practices while tailoring standards to local pedestrian activity levels. First-time violators are required to complete the California Highway Patrol’s Electric Bicycle Safety Course. Overall, the ordinance updates the Municipal Code to reflect current technology and usage patterns, enhance pedestrian safety, and provide clearer, locally enforceable operating standards consistent with the California Vehicle Code.
Fi
nancial Impact
T
he proposed ordinance is not expected to result in significant new costs to the City.
Enforcement will be absorbed by existing Police Department staffing and operations.
Minor costs associated with new signage or public education materials may arise and can be managed within existing resources.
C
ity Council Priority
T
he proposed amendments support the City Council Pillars in the following ways:
T
he proposed amendments support the City Council’s adopted priorities by enhancing Public Safety through clearer operating standards that reduce conflicts between pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. The ordinance also supports Quality of Life by preserving the safe and enjoyable use of parks, trails, and neighborhoods. In addition, the amendments demonstrate fiscal responsibility by leveraging existing enforcement resources and emphasizing education-based compliance to minimize fiscal impacts.
S
uggested Motion
I
move that the City Council introduce and approve the first reading of Ordinance No. 1367, amending Section 4-3.22 of Chapter 3, Title 4 of the Simi Valley Municipal Code to modernize regulations governing bicycles, electric bicycles (e- bikes), scooters, and similar conveyances operating on sidewalks and side paths.
S
ummary
T
he increased use of electric bicycles and other micro-mobility devices has raised safety concerns in pedestrian- oriented areas throughout the City. The current version of Municipal Code Section 4- 3.22 predates widespread e- bike use and does not clearly address modern classifications or sidewalk operating standards. 3 T
he proposed amendments update the Code to reflect current technology, incorporate State definitions, and establish clear operating standards for sidewalks and shared paths.
These changes are intended to enhance pedestrian safety, provide clearer guidance to riders and enforcement personnel, and support a balanced, education-focused approach consistent with State law and prior Council direction.
P
repared by: Darin Muehler, Traffic Bureau Commander
A
ttachments
Attachment A - Ordinance No. 1367
Attachment B - California Laws
4 A
ttachment A
O
RDINANCE NO. 1367
A
N ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY AMENDING SECTION 4-3.22 OF CHAPTER 3 OF TITLE 4 OF THE SIMI VALLEY MUNICIPAL
CODE, BICYCLES ON SIDEWALKS AND SIDEPATHS
T
HE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SIMI VALLEY HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
S
ECTION 1: AMENDMENT OF ORDINANCE NO. ______, TITLE 4, CHAPTER 3, SECTION 4-3.22.
O
rdinance No. ____, Title 4, Chapter 3, Section 4-3.22 of the Simi Valley Municipal Code is hereby amended to read as follows:
S
ect. 4-3.22 - Operation of Bicycles and Other Conveyances on Sidewalks and Sidepaths
(a
) Definitions.
The following words and phrases used in this Section shall have the following meanings.
1. “C
onveyance” shall have a broad meaning and include a bicycle, electric bicycle, e-bike, moped, scooter, motor-driven cycle, electric motorcycle, pocket bike, or any other electric conveyance.
2 . “Class 1 Electric Bicycle” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, that is not capable of exclusively propelling the bicycle that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour, and that is not capable of providing assistance to reach speeds greater than 20 miles per hour. A Class 1 Electric Bicycle may have start assistance or a walk mode that propels the electric bicycle on motor power alone, up to a maximum speed of
3.7 miles per hour.
3. “
Class 2 Electric Bicycle” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
4 . “Class 3 Electric Bicycle” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, that is not capable of exclusively propelling the bicycle is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, that is not capable of exclusively propelling the bicycle. A Class 3 Electric Bicycle may have start assistance or a walk mode that propels the electric bicycle on motor power alone, up to a maximum speed of 3.7 miles per hour. 5 5. "E
lectric Bicycle" or “E-Bike” shall mean a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor that does not exceed 750 watts of power, as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 312.5.
6. "U
nsafe Manner" shall mean violating any provision of the Simi Valley Municipal Code, the California Vehicle Code, or any other applicable law; endangering or potentially endangering the safety of the operator, passengers, pedestrians, or other persons; or disrupting the orderly use of sidewalks, sidepaths, or similar pathways. (
b) Operating a Conveyance in an Unsafe Manner.
1. N
o person shall operate any conveyance in an unsafe manner on any public sidewalk, pedestrian sidepath, park pathway, or any other public right-of-way that is primarily intended for pedestrian use, within the City of Simi Valley.
2. N
o person shall tamper with or modify an electric bicycle so as to change the speed capability of the bicycle, unless he or she appropriately replaces the label indicating the classification. It shall be unlawful to operate an electric bicycle which has been modified to exceed 28 miles per hour upon any roadway, sidewalks, trail or other public property in the City.
(c
) Examples of Operating a Conveyance in an Unsafe Manner.
T
he following non-exclusive list provides examples of conduct deemed to constitute operation in an unsafe manner:
1. Failing to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians;
2. Riding at a speed greater than fifteen (15) miles per hour or at a speed that is unreasonable or imprudent for the conditions then existing;
3. Operating a conveyance in a manner for which it was not designed, including but not limited to carrying passengers if the device is not equipped to do so;
4. Performing stunts, such as lifting one or more wheels from the ground ("wheelies") or swerving unnecessarily;
5. Riding against the flow of pedestrian or vehicular traffic, where applicable;
6. Disregarding posted signage prohibiting or limiting such operation;
7. Operating any such conveyance while under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
8. Permitting a person under eighteen (18) years of age to ride without a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet as required by law.
6 ORD. NO. 1367
(d
) Tampering with Manufacturer Serial Number or Label.
N
o person shall remove, destroy or otherwise alter any serial number permanently stamped or cast on the frame of a bicycle or other conveyance by its manufacturer.
Each electric bicycle shall also bear a permanent, prominently affixed label containing its classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage, printed in Arial font at a minimum of 9‑point type.
E
quipment.
1. A
ll persons under 18 operating or riding as a passenger upon a bicycle or conveyance on a public street, public right-of-way, public place, or place open to the public for vehicle and pedestrian travel must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet.
2. N
o person shall operate a bicycle or electric bicycle on a roadway unless it is equipped with a brake that will enable the operator to make one braked wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.
3. A
ll bicycles and electric bicycles shall have reflectors affixed to both the front and back wheels and on the rear of the bicycle or electric bicycle.
4. E
lectric bicycles shall be equipped with pedal reflectors and a red rear reflector or a solid or flashing red light with a built-in reflector on the rear that shall be visible from a distance of 500 feet to the rear during all hours and pedal reflectors.
5. A
ll bicycles and electric bicycles operated during darkness shall be equipped with a lamp emitting a white light that, while the bicycle is in motion, illuminates the ground in front of the bicycle or electric bicycle and is visible from a distance of 300 feet in front and from the sides of the bicycle. (
e) Regulation by Signage.
T
he City Traffic Engineer is authorized to install signage prohibiting or regulating the operation of any conveyance covered by this section, as necessary for public health and safety.
(
f) Enforcement.
1. Penalty for violations. Every person violating any provision of this section shall be subject to the penalties provided for in Chapter 8 of Title 1 of the Simi Valley Municipal Code.
2. V
iolations by minors. Any minor who is cited for violating this section shall have their parent or legal guardian jointly and severally liable for the administrative fine 7 ORD. NO. 1367
i
ssued. With respect to minors whose E-Bike activities are in violation of this section and where such activities result in damage to public property, the City may, pursuant to California Civil Code Section 1714.1, pursue a civil complaint in tort against the minor’s parent or legal guardian having custody and control of the minor for the recovery of such property damage.
3 . First‑time violators of this Section shall be required to show proof of completion of the California Highway Patrol’s “Electric Bicycle Safety Course.” (
g) Exemptions.
T
his section does not apply to mobility devices used by persons with disabilities, including powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters.
S
ECTION 2: Invalidity. If any part of this Ordinance or its application is deemed invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the City Council intends that such invalidity will not affect the effectiveness of the remaining provisions or applications and, to this end, the provisions of this Ordinance are severable.
S
ECTION 3: Electronic Signatures. This Ordinance may be executed with electronic signatures in accordance with Government Code §16.5. Such electronic signatures will be treated in all respects as having the same effect as an original signature.
S
ECTION 4: The City Clerk is directed to certify the passage and adoption of this Ordinance; cause it to be entered into the City of Simi Valley book of original ordinances; make a note of the passage and adoption in the records of this meeting; and, within 15 days after the passage and adoption of this Ordinance, cause it to be published or posted in accordance with California law.
S
ECTION 5: This Ordinance will take effect on the 30th day following its final passage and adoption.
PASSED AND ADOPTED this ___ day of __________, 2026.
A
ttest:
___
______________________________ ________________________________ Lucy Blanco, City Clerk Dee Dee Cavanaugh, Mayor of the City of Simi Valley, California
AP
PROVED AS TO FORM: APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
8 ORD. NO. 1367
___
______________________________ _________________________________ Algeria R. Ford, City Attorney Samantha C. Argabrite, City Manager ___
_____________________________
Charles “Steve” Shorts
Chief of Police
9 ORD. NO. 1367
Attachment B
CALIFORNIA LAWS
DEFINITIONS
E
-Bikes - CVC 312.5(a) , E -Bike is defined as a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. All e-bikes manufactured after 2017 are required to have a permanently affixed label containing the classification number, top speed, and motor wattage.
Cla
ss 1 E -Bike - Has motor that provides assistance ONLY when rider is pedaling and motor ceases to provide assistance when bicycle reaches top speed of 20 MPH.
Cla
ss 2 E-Bike - Has motor that may be exclusively used to propel bicycle (No Pedaling Required) but stops providing assistance when bicycle reaches top speed of 20 MPH.
Cla
ss 3 E -Bike - Has motor that provides assistance ONLY when rider is pedaling and motor ceases to provide assistance when bicycle reaches top speed of 28 MPH and equipped with a speedometer.
H
ELMETS
CV
C 21213(a) – Operators of Class 3 E-Bikes MUST be 16 years or older.
CV
C 21213(b) – All o perators and passengers of Class 3 E -Bikes MUST wear helmet REGARDLESS of age.
O
THER VEHICLE CODES PERTAINING TO E-BIKES
CV
C 24016(d) - Illegal to tamper with or modify E -Bike to change their speed capability unless the classification label is also changed.
CV
C 21212(a) - Helmet required for all persons under 18 riding E-Bikes, or other bicycles.
CV
C 21201 (d) - Bicycle lighting equipment is required by law when operating a bicycle or E-bike during hours of darkness
CV
C 21202(a) -If riding at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction, must ride as close to the righthand curb or edge of roadway.
CV
C 21205 CVC - May not ride a bicycle or E-bike carrying packages, bundles, or articles which prevents operator from keeping at least on hand on handlebars.
CV
C 27400 CVC - May not wear headphones/earbuds in both ears while operating. 10 MOTORIZED SCOOTERS
CVC 407.5(a) - Defined as any two-wheeled device that has handlebars, either a floorboard that is designed to be stood upon when riding or a seat and footrests in place of a floorboard, and is powered by an electric motor, and may also be propelled by human propulsion.
CVC 407.5(b) - A device meeting the definition in subdivision (a) that is powered by a source other than electrical power is also a motorized scooter.
CVC 21223 - Lighting equipment is required by law when operating a motorized scooter during darkness.
CVC 21228 - Operation of a motorized scooter must be done as close to roadway edge or right-hand curb.
CVC 21229(a) - Must operate motorized scooter in bicycle lane when available.
CVC 21235 – Must be equipped with brake, can’t generally operate on a highway with a speed limit over 25, need helmet, need a license or instruction permit, can’t have passengers, can’t operate on sidewalk.
ELECTRICALLY MOTORIZED BOARD
CVC 313.5 - Defined as any wheeled device that has a floorboard designed to be stood upon when riding that is not greater than 60 inches deep and 18 inches wide, is designed to transport only one person, and has an electric propulsion system averaging less than 1,000 watts, the maximum speed of which, when powered solely by a propulsion system on a paved level surface, is no more than 20 MPH. Device may be propelled by human propulsion also.
CVC 21291 - Only operated by person 16 years of age or older.
CVC 21292 - Bicycle helmet required by all riders.
CVC 21293 -Lighting equipment required during darkness.
CVC 21294(a) - Shall ONLY operate on a highway with a speed limit of 35MPH or less unless operated in a bicycle lane.
CVC 21294(B) - Shall NOT operate on a highway, bikeway, or any other public bicycle path, sidewalk, or trail at a speed in excess of 15 MPH.
11 OUT OF CLASS ELECTRIC VEHICLES (POCKET BIKES)
CVC 473 - Pocket Bike defined as two- wheeled motorized device that has a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and is not designed or manufactured for highway use.
CVC 21720 - Pocket Bikes shall not be operated on a sidewalk, roadway, or any other part of a highway, or on a bikeway, bicycle path or trail, equestrian trail, hiking or recreational trail, or on public lands open to off-highway motor vehicle use.
CVC 21720(a) - Law Enforcement may remove and seize pocket bikes for violation of 21720 and the bikes shall be held for a minimum of 48 hours. ACHP 180 needs to be completed.
OFF-HIGHWAY ELECTRIC MOTORCYCLES (E-MOTO’S)
CVC 436.1 – Defines “off-highway electric motorcycle” (e-Moto), as an off-highway motorcycle that meets the following requirements:
(a) – Designed by manufacturer for operation primarily off the highway (b) – Is powered by an electric motor for which a motor number is not required (c) – Has handlebars for steering control
(d) – Has a straddle seat provided by the manufacturer
(e) – Has two wheels
(f) – Is not equipped with pedals from the manufacturer
CALIFORNIA ASSEMBLY BILL 875 ADDED
CVC 22651.08(a) – A peace officer may remove a vehicle under the following circumstances
CVC 22651.08(a)(1) – A person is operating a vehicle with fewer than four wheels that does NOT meet the definition of an E-Bike and is both of the following:
(A) – Powered by an electric motor capable of exclusively propelling the vehicle in excess of 20 MPH on a highway
(B) – Being operated by an operator who is not licensed to operate the vehicle
CVC 22651.08(a)(2) – A person is operating a vehicle that is a class 3 electric bicycle in violation of subdivision (a) of 21213
CVC 22651.08(b)(2) – A city may adopt at a public meeting a regulation, ordinance, or resolution imposing charges equal to its administrative costs relating to the removal, seizure, and storage costs.
12 CVC 22651.08(c) – An agency shall release a seized vehicle to the owner, violator, or their agent after a minimum of 48 hours, if both of the following conditions are met
(1) – The owner, violator, or authorized agent’s request is made during normal business hours
(2) – The applicable removal, seizure, and storage costs have been paid
CVC 22651.08(d) – If a peace officer removes a vehicle pursuant to this section, an agency may, as a condition of release, require the owner, violator, or the parent or legal guardian of the owner or violator to deliver proof that the violator has completed an electric bicycle safety and training program or a related local bicycle safety course
13