Agenda Item 10B — Torrance City Council, December 16, 2025

Date: December 16, 2025
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Traffic Commission
Robert Dunn, Chief of Police
Craig Bilezerian, Public Works Director
By: Charles Fisher, Police Lieutenant | [email protected] Subject: Traffic Commission, Police, and Public Works – Adopt ORDINANCE Amending Torrance Municipal Code Regulating Bicycle Use and Use of Parks.

Expenditure: None.

RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation of the Chief of Police and Public Works Director that City Council:

1. Adopt an ORDINANCE amending the Torrance Municipal Code sections 49.2.7, 62.1.1,

62.1.2, 62.1.3, 62.1.4, and 62.1.8, repealing sections 62.1.9, 62.1.10, 62.1.11, 62.1.12,

62.1.13, 62.2.1, 62.2.2, 62.2.3, 62.2.4, 62.2.5, 62.2.6, 62.2.8, 62.2.9,62.2.10, 62.2.11, and

62.2.12, and adding sections 62.1.14, 62.1.15, and 62.1.16 of the Torrance Municipal Code; and

2. Approve an ordinance summary for publication
-OR-
Recommendation of the Traffic Commission that City Council:

1. Adopt an ORDINANCE amending the Torrance Municipal Code sections 62.1.1, 62.1.2,

62.1.3, 62.1.4, and 62.1.8, repealing sections 62.1.9, 62.1.10, 62.1.11, 62.1.12, 62.1.13,

62.2.1, 62.2.2, 62.2.3, 62.2.4, 62.2.5, 62.2.6, 62.2.8, 62.2.9,62.2.10, 62.2.11, and 62.2.12, and adding sections 62.1.15 and 62.1.16 of the Torrance Municipal Code; and

2. Approve an ordinance summary for publication.

FUNDING
None required.

DISCUSSION
In April 2025, the Police Department provided a presentation to City Council outlining the rapid growth of electric bicycle (“e-bike”) use and associated safety concerns. Since that discussion, staff has prepared a comprehensive ordinance package that modernizes the City’s bicycle regulations and introduces targeted e-bike provisions consistent with State law. 10B
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The Torrance Municipal Code’s bicycle-related provisions were developed long before the widespread use of modern electric bicycles. As a result, certain sections no longer fully address today’s ridership patterns, equipment capabilities, or roadway conditions. The proposed amendments update these provisions, establish clear safe-operation standards, and strengthen enforcement authority.

The proposed ordinance:
• Clarifies that an electric bicycle is defined as a bicycle under California Vehicle Code §§ 231 and 312.5.
• Prohibits Class 3 e-bikes from being ridden on sidewalks and in City parks and recreational facilities.
• Establishes § 62.1.14, Unsafe Speed Prohibited.
• Establishes § 62.1.15, Stunt Riding Prohibited.
• Establishes § 62.1.16, Use of Handheld Devices Prohibited. • Repeals or revises obsolete bicycle registration and outdated park-related provisions.

The proposed ordinance was reviewed by the Traffic Commission on November 3, 2025. The Traffic Commission expressed overall support for modernizing bicycle regulations, however, some Commissioners voiced concerns regarding the unsafe speed and use of parks provisions.

Additionally, some Commissioner’s expressed concern that the City has inadequate bicycle infrastructure and the lack of infrastructure should be addressed prior to establishing municipal codes which will increase enforcement. Ultimately, in a 4-2 decision, the Traffic Commission voted to recommend to the City Council to amend Torrance Municipal Code sections 62.1.1, 62.1.2,

62.1.3, 62.1.4, and 62.1.8, repeal sections 62.1.9, 62.1.10, 62.1.11, 62.1.12, 62.1.13, 62.2.1,

62.2.2, 62.2.3, 62.2.4, 62.2.5, 62.2.6, 62.2.8, 62.2.9,62.2.10, 62.2.11, and 62.2.12, and add sections 62.1.15 and 62.1.16 of the Torrance Municipal Code. The Traffic Commission declined to recommend that the City Council establish a new section which would prohibit operating a bicycle at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent, and they declined to recommend that the City Council amend the existing Torrance Municipal Code section 49.2.7 to address dangerous and/or destructive bicycle behavior in parks.

For the reasons set forth below, it remains the recommendation of the Public Works Director and the Chief of Police that the City Council adopt the proposed ordinance in its entirety.

The proposed section 62.1.14, Unsafe Speed Prohibited, is intended to address a significant gap in the California Vehicle Code, where there is no regulation on the speed at which bicycles are operated. The language of the proposed municipal code is modeled after California Vehicle Code section 22350, Basic Speed Law, which applies only to vehicles. While the Traffic Commission expressed concern that the proposed language was overly broad, the constitutionality of the language “reasonable or prudent … and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property” has been well established through the analysis of California Vehicle Code section 22350. Establishing an Unsafe Speed municipal code will allow the Police Department to 2 City Council
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take criminal enforcement action against individuals who operate bicycles at speeds that create a safety risk to bicycle riders, pedestrians, and drivers.

The recommended amendments to Torrance Municipal Code section 49.2.7 are intended to update the section to address present day challenges. The existing version of Torrance Municipal Code section 49.2.7 prohibits the use of the park in a manner that was not intended for such use and causes or is likely to cause damage or injury to the park. The requirement that the unintended use cause or be likely to cause damage or injury to the park reduces the effectiveness of this section.

By way of example, the City has received complaints about bicyclists riding their bicycles across or perpendicular to the portion of the path at Wilson Park that transverses the park, utilizing the hills on either side as ramps. This behavior poses a safety risk to individuals utilizing the path as intended, as well as to the bicyclist engaging in the behavior. Under the current version of section

49.2.7, no enforcement action can be taken against the bicyclist, unless their behavior is likely to cause or did cause injury or damage to the park, which is rarely the case. The proposed amendment to section 49.2.7 would allow for enforcement against dangerous behavior, without requiring property damage to be imminent or actual.

The amendments to subsections (b) and (c) are being recommended in response to behaviors observed in Torrance Parks over the last several years. These additions would prohibit the use of or creation of ramps, jumps, or similar structures which pose the risk of physical injury, as well as damage to the park. These additions would further provide the Police Department with enforcement options for damaging, disrupting, or displacing conduct that falls short of the malicious standard for vandalism under the California Penal Code. An example of this type of behavior is an individual who digs a series of holes and utilizes the displaced dirt to form a series of mounds or hills to create a bumpy trail or path.

In response to concerns raised by some Traffic Commissioners that subsection (b) may be overly broad, a slight modification of the language is being proposed for City Council approval.

Traffic Commission considered the following proposed amendment:
“(b) No person shall disturb, displace, or move any building, monument, sign, fence, bench, structure, apparatus, equipment, tree, plant, shrub, bloom or flower, or any portion thereof, wood, turf, grass, soil, rock, sand or gravel or other property in any park, playground, court, pool or structure, for any purpose. This subsection (b) shall not apply to a duly authorized city employee or city contractor in performance of their duties.”
The proposed amendment for City Council consideration is as follows:
“(b) No person shall disturb, displace, or move any building, monument, sign, fence, bench, structure, apparatus, equipment, nor shall any person cut, remove, injure, or destroy, any tree, plant, shrub, bloom or flower, or any portion thereof, wood, turf, grass, soil, rock, sand or gravel or other property in any park, playground, court, pool or structure. This subsection (b) shall not apply to a duly authorized city employee or city contractor in performance of their duties.” Lastly, the proposed addition of subsection (e), which prohibits the operation of class 3 electric bicycles in parks is intended to address the inherent danger of bicycles with the capability of 3 City Council
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operating at 28 miles per hour in spaces that are not designed for such speeds. 28 miles per hour is well above the pace of any pedestrian or manually operated wheeled device, and a collision between a bicycle operating at that speed and any parkgoer has the potential to be catastrophic.

Therefore, a complete ban on class 3 electric bicycles in parks is recommended.

Once adopted, the Police Department will implement a public education and high-visibility enforcement campaign in partnership with the Torrance Unified School District, supported by outreach through local hospitals, community organizations, and bicycle/e-bike retailers. The Police Department will emphasize voluntary compliance through education before enforcement begins.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Ordinance Recommended by Public Works Director and Chief of Police

2. Ordinance Summary Recommended by Public Works Director and Chief of Police

3. Ordinance Recommended by Traffic Commission

4. Ordinance Summary Recommended by Traffic Commission

5. Clean Version of Amendments and Additions

6. Redline Version of Amendments, Additions, and Deletions

7. Traffic Commission Staff Presentation (November 3, 2025)

8. California Vehicle Code Sections 21200–21213 (reference) 4 ATTACHMENT 1
ORDINANCE NO. _____

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING CHAPTER 2 OF DIVISION
6 BY AMENDING SECTIONS 62.1.1, 62.1.2, 62.1.3, 62.1.4, 62.1.8, REPEALING SECTIONS 62.1.9, 62.1.10, 62.1.11, 62.1.12,

62.1.13, 62.2.1, 62.2.2, 62.2.3, 62.2.4, 62.2.5, 62.2.6, 62.2.8,

62.2.9,62.2.10, 62.2.11, 62.2.12, AND ADDING SECTIONS

62.1.14, 62.1.15, 62.1.16 OF THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE REGULATING BICYCLE USE IN THE CITY OF TORRANCE; AND
AMENDING CHAPTER 9 OF DIVISION 4 BY AMENDING SECTION

49.2.7 TO THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE REGULATING THE

USE OF PARKS
WHEREAS, the City of Torrance is committed to promoting safe, sustainable, and accessible mobility options for all residents, visitors, and roadway users; and WHEREAS, the City recognizes the growing popularity and widespread use of bicycles, electric bicycles, and other micromobility devices within the community, including among youth and school-aged riders; and
WHEREAS, the increased use of electric bicycles has resulted in more reports of unsafe riding behaviors, collisions, injuries, and near-miss incidents throughout the City, including in parks, business corridors, residential neighborhoods, and school zones; and WHEREAS, the California Vehicle Code provides general rules for bicycle and electric bicycle operation but does not address several local concerns related to unsafe riding, excessive speed, multi-use path conflicts, and conduct within parks and other City facilities; and WHEREAS, existing provisions in the Torrance Municipal Code related to bicycle operation and park use do not provide sufficient enforcement authority that reflect current transportation technology; and
WHEREAS, the City has received ongoing concerns from residents, businesses, schools, and community organizations regarding high-speed riding, sidewalk conflicts, group riding behaviors, failure to yield to pedestrians, and improper riding within City parks and other public spaces; and WHEREAS, the City seeks to adopt reasonable regulations that support active transportation while also preventing hazardous, disruptive, and unsafe conduct on City streets, sidewalks, and recreational facilities; and
WHEREAS, safe operation of bicycles and electric bicycles is necessary to protect pedestrians, children, seniors, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable roadway users who rely on City infrastructure for daily travel; and
WHEREAS, the City has the authority to promote public health, safety, and general welfare; and 5 WHEREAS, the City Council finds that adoption of this Ordinance is in the best interest of the community and will help mitigate the risks associated with unsafe and unlawful operation of bicycles and electric bicycles within the City; and
WHEREAS, the City finds that the following will best serve the public’s health, safety, and general welfare.

NOW, THEREFORE , THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1
Section 62.1.1 of the Torrance Municipal Code is amended to read in its entirety as follows:
“62.1.1 DEFINITION.

The term bicycle shall mean and include every device denominated as a bicycle by Sections 231 and 312.5 of the California Vehicle Code, and as may be subsequently amended by State law. An electric bicycle is a bicycle.”
SECTION 2
Section 62.1.2 of the Torrance Municipal Code is amended to read in its entirety as follows:
“62.1.2 TRAFFIC LAWS APPLY TO PERSONS RIDING BICYCLES.

Every person operating a bicycle shall be subject to Article 4 of Chapter 1 of Division 11 of the California Vehicle Code and the provisions of Chapter 1 of this Division applicable to the driver of a vehicle, except as otherwise provided in this Chapter and except as to those provisions which, by their nature, can have no application.”
SECTION 3
Section 62.1.3 of the Torrance Municipal Code shall be amended to read in its entirety as follows:
“62.1.3 RIDING IN A GROUP.

Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.” SECTION 4
Section 62.1.4 of the Torrance Municipal Code shall be amended to read in its entirety as follows:
“62.1.4 RIDING ON SIDEWALKS.
a) No person shall ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk within any business district as defined by California Vehicle Code Section 235, and as may be subsequently amended by State law, or 6 upon the sidewalk adjacent to any public school property, church, recreation center or playground.
b) Whenever any person is riding a bicycle upon a sidewalk, such person shall yield the right- of-way to any pedestrian, and when overtaking or passing a pedestrian, after giving an audible signal, shall at all times, pass to the left of such pedestrian. c) No person shall ride a class 3 electric bicycle, as defined by California Vehicle Code section 312.5, and as may be subsequently amended by State law, upon any sidewalk.” SECTION 5
Section 62.1.8 of the Torrance Municipal Code shall be amended to read in its entirety as follows:
“62.1.8 PARKING.
a) No person shall leave a bicycle standing, unattended or otherwise parked upon the driveways, paths, or grounds of the Civic Center of the City of Torrance. Bicycles may only be parked in designated bicycle rack areas.
b) Any person who violates subsection (a) of this section, will be guilty of an infraction.” SECTION 6
Section 62.1.14 of the Torrance Municipal Code shall be added to read in its entirety as follows:
“62.1.14 UNSAFE SPEED PROHIBITED
a) No person shall operate a bicycle at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic conditions, the conditions of the surface and width of the path, roadway, or sidewalk, the environmental conditions at the time, and the design, condition, and functional limitations of the bicycle, including its braking system, tires, and safety equipment, as well as the protective gear worn by the rider, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.”
SECTION 7
Section 62.1.15 of the Torrance Municipal Code shall be added to read in its entirety as follows:
“62.1.15 STUNT RIDING PROHIBITED
a) No person shall engage in stunt riding on any public street, sidewalk, alley, park, plaza, off- street parking facility, trail, or path.
b) Stunt riding means operating a bicycle or electric bicycle in a manner not intended by the manufacturer, including but not limited to riding on one wheel (wheelie), standing or sitting on the handlebars, top tube, pegs, seat, or frame, spinning the rear wheel in place, intentionally causing the bicycle to lose traction, or engaging in other acrobatic or trick maneuvers not consistent with safe operation.”
7 SECTION 8
Section 62.1.16 of the Torrance Municipal Code shall be added to read in its entirety as follows:
“62.1.16 USE OF HANDHELD DEVICES PROHIBITED
(a) A person shall not ride a bicycle while holding and operating a handheld wireless telephone or an electronic wireless communications device unless the wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device is specifically designed and configured to allow voice-operated and hands-free operation, and it is used in that manner while riding the bicycle. (b) This section shall not apply to manufacturer-installed systems that are embedded in the bicycle or its equipment.
(c) A handheld wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device may be operated in a manner requiring the use of the rider’s hand while operating a bicycle only if both of the following conditions are satisfied:
(1) The handheld wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device is mounted on the bicycle’s handlebars or frame in a manner that does not hinder the rider’s view of the roadway or surroundings.
(2) The rider’s hand is used to activate or deactivate a feature or function of the handheld wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device with the motion of a single swipe or tap of the rider’s finger.
(d) This section does not apply to a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other emergency services professional using an electronic wireless communications device while operating a bicycle in the course and scope of their duties.”
SECTION 9
Section 49.2.7 of the Torrance Municipal Code shall be amended to read in its entirety as follows:
“49.2.7 USE OF PARKS.
a) No person shall play upon, use, occupy, or participate in any activity, including but not limited to skating, skateboarding, or riding or driving any bicycle, motor scooter, motorcycle, or other vehicle, or permit others to play upon, use, occupy, or participate in any activity, including but not limited to skating, skateboarding, or riding or driving any bicycle, motor scooter, motorcycle, or other vehicle, in or upon a park, park facility, playground, court, pool or structure, in a manner not intended for such play, use, occupancy, or participation.
b) No person shall disturb, displace, or move any building, monument, sign, fence, bench, structure, apparatus, equipment, nor shall any person cut, remove, injure, or destroy, any tree, plant, shrub, bloom or flower, or any portion thereof, wood, turf, grass, soil, rock, sand or gravel or other property in any park, playground, court, pool or structure. This subsection 8 (b) shall not apply to a duly authorized city employee or city contractor in performance of their duties.
c) No person shall erect, construct, equip, build, form, use, transport, or otherwise cause to exist, any skate, skateboard, bicycle, motorcycle, or other vehicle, or pedestrian ramp, jump, or other similar structures in any park, playground, court, pool or structure, including park parking lots and adjacent sidewalks or roadways.
d) Vehicles or equipment of the City or of a contractor employed by the City shall not be prohibited from driving or operating within any park, playground, court, pool or structure in the normal course of maintenance, construction or repair. e) No person shall ride a class 3 electric bicycle, as defined by California Vehicle Code section 312.5, and as may be subsequently amended by State law, in any park, playground, court, pool or structure.”
SECTION 10
That Section 62.1.9 of the Torrance Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety.

SECTION 11
That Section 62.1.10 of the Torrance Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety.

SECTION 12
That Section 62.1.11 of the Torrance Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety.

SECTION 13
That Section 62.1.12 of the Torrance Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety.

SECTION 14
That Section 62.1.13 of the Torrance Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety.

SECTION 15
That Section 62.2.1 of the Torrance Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety.

SECTION 16
That Section 62.2.2 of the Torrance Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety.

SECTION 17
That Section 62.2.3 of the Torrance Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety.

SECTION 18
That Section 62.2.4 of the Torrance Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety. 9 SECTION 19
That Section 62.2.5 of the Torrance Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety.

SECTION 20
That Section 62.2.6 of the Torrance Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety.

SECTION 21
That Section 62.2.8 of the Torrance Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety.

SECTION 22
That Section 62.2.9 of the Torrance Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety.

SECTION 23
That Section 62.2.10 of the Torrance Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety.

SECTION 24
That Section 62.2.11 of the Torrance Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety.

SECTION 25
That Section 62.2.12 of the Torrance Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety.

SECTION 26
Any provisions of the Torrance Municipal Code or its appendices, or any other ordinances of the City inconsistent with this ordinance to the extent of the inconsistencies and no further, are repealed.

SECTION 27
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, the decision will not affect the validity of the remaining portions of the ordinance. The City Council declares that it would have passed this ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause and phrase irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentence, clauses or phrases are declared invalid or unconstitutional.

SECTION 28
This ordinance will take effect thirty days after the date of its adoption. Within fifteen days following adoption, this ordinance or a summary of this ordinance, if authorized by the City Council, will be published at least once in the Daily Breeze, a newspaper of general circulation, published and circulated in the city of Torrance.
10 INTRODUCED and APPROVED this 16th day of December 2025.

ADOPTED and PASSED this 13th day of January 2026.
_____________________________
Mayor George Chen
APPROVED AS TO FORM: ATTEST:

PATRICK Q. SULLIVAN

CITY ATTORNEY
By:___________________________________ _____________________________ Jeanne-Marie K. Litvin, Deputy City Attorney Rebecca Poirier, MMC, City Clerk 11 ATTACHMENT 2

ORDINANCE SUMMARY
On ______________, 2025, the City Council of the City of Torrance adopted Ordinance No. ______, an ordinance that amends Chapter 2 of Division 6 by amending sections

62.1.1, 62.1.2, 62.1.3, 62.1.4, 62.1.8, repealing sections 62.1.9, 62.1.10, 62.1.11,

62.1.12, 62.1.13, 62.2.1, 62.2.2, 62.2.3, 62.2.4, 62.2.5, 62.2.6, 62.2.8, 62.2.9,62.2.10,

62.2.11, 62.2.12, and adding sections 62.1.14, 62.1.15, 62.1.16 of the Torrance Municipal Code related to bicycle use; and amends Chapter 9 of Division 4 by amending section 49.2.7 regulating the use of parks. Copies of the Ordinance are available from the City Clerk’s Office or online at www.torranceca.gov. *****City Clerk to add a paragraph stating the names of the City Council members who voted in favor and those who voted against.*****
12 ATTACHMENT 3
ORDINANCE NO. _____

62.1.13, 62.2.1, 62.2.2, 62.2.3, 62.2.4, 62.2.5, 62.2.6, 62.2.8,

62.2.9,62.2.10, 62.2.11, 62.2.12, AND ADDING SECTIONS

62.1.14, 62.1.15, 62.1.16 OF THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE REGULATING BICYCLE USE IN THE CITY OF TORRANCE; AND
AMENDING CHAPTER 9 OF DIVISION 4 BY AMENDING SECTION

49.2.7 TO THE TORRANCE MUNICIPAL CODE REGULATING THE

USE OF PARKS
WHEREAS, the City of Torrance is committed to promoting safe, sustainable, and accessible mobility options for all residents, visitors, and roadway users; and WHEREAS, the City recognizes the growing popularity and widespread use of bicycles, electric bicycles, and other micromobility devices within the community, including among youth and school-aged riders; and
WHEREAS, the increased use of electric bicycles has resulted in more reports of unsafe riding behaviors, collisions, injuries, and near-miss incidents throughout the City, including in parks, business corridors, residential neighborhoods, and school zones; and WHEREAS, the California Vehicle Code provides general rules for bicycle and electric bicycle operation but does not address several local concerns related to unsafe riding, excessive speed, multi-use path conflicts, and conduct within parks and other City facilities; and WHEREAS, existing provisions in the Torrance Municipal Code related to bicycle operation and park use do not provide sufficient enforcement authority that reflect current transportation technology; and
WHEREAS, the City has received ongoing concerns from residents, businesses, schools, and community organizations regarding high-speed riding, sidewalk conflicts, group riding behaviors, failure to yield to pedestrians, and improper riding within City parks and other public spaces; and WHEREAS, the City seeks to adopt reasonable regulations that support active transportation while also preventing hazardous, disruptive, and unsafe conduct on City streets, sidewalks, and recreational facilities; and
WHEREAS, safe operation of bicycles and electric bicycles is necessary to protect pedestrians, children, seniors, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable roadway users who rely on City infrastructure for daily travel; and
WHEREAS, the City has the authority to promote public health, safety, and general welfare; and 13 WHEREAS, the City Council finds that adoption of this Ordinance is in the best interest of the community and will help mitigate the risks associated with unsafe and unlawful operation of bicycles and electric bicycles within the City; and
WHEREAS, the City finds that the following will best serve the public’s health, safety, and general welfare.

NOW, THEREFORE , THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TORRANCE DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1
Section 62.1.1 of the Torrance Municipal Code is amended to read in its entirety as follows:
“62.1.1 DEFINITION.

SECTION 9
That Section 62.1.10 of the Torrance Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety.

SECTION 10
That Section 62.1.11 of the Torrance Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety.

SECTION 11
That Section 62.1.12 of the Torrance Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety.

SECTION 12
That Section 62.1.13 of the Torrance Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety.

SECTION 13
That Section 62.2.1 of the Torrance Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety.

SECTION 14
That Section 62.2.2 of the Torrance Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety.

SECTION 15
That Section 62.2.3 of the Torrance Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety.

SECTION 16
16 That Section 62.2.4 of the Torrance Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety.

SECTION 17
That Section 62.2.5 of the Torrance Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety.

SECTION 18
That Section 62.2.6 of the Torrance Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety.

SECTION 19
That Section 62.2.8 of the Torrance Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety.

SECTION 20
That Section 62.2.9 of the Torrance Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety.

SECTION 21
That Section 62.2.10 of the Torrance Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety.

SECTION 22
That Section 62.2.11 of the Torrance Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety.

SECTION 23
That Section 62.2.12 of the Torrance Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety.

SECTION 24
Any provisions of the Torrance Municipal Code or its appendices, or any other ordinances of the City inconsistent with this ordinance to the extent of the inconsistencies and no further, are repealed.

SECTION 25
If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, the decision will not affect the validity of the remaining portions of the ordinance. The City Council declares that it would have passed this ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause and phrase irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentence, clauses or phrases are declared invalid or unconstitutional.

SECTION 26
This ordinance will take effect thirty days after the date of its adoption. Within fifteen days following adoption, this ordinance or a summary of this ordinance, if authorized by the City Council, will be published at least once in the Daily Breeze, a newspaper of general circulation, published and circulated in the city of Torrance.
17 INTRODUCED and APPROVED this 16th day of December 2025.

ADOPTED and PASSED this 13th day of January 2026.
_____________________________
Mayor George Chen
APPROVED AS TO FORM: ATTEST:

PATRICK Q. SULLIVAN

CITY ATTORNEY
By:___________________________________ _____________________________ Jeanne-Marie K. Litvin, Deputy City Attorney Rebecca Poirier, MMC, City Clerk 18 ATTACHMENT 4

ORDINANCE SUMMARY
On ______________, 2025, the City Council of the City of Torrance adopted Ordinance No. ______, an ordinance that amends Chapter 2 of Division 6 by amending sections

62.1.1, 62.1.2, 62.1.3, 62.1.4, 62.1.8, repealing sections 62.1.9, 62.1.10, 62.1.11,

62.1.12, 62.1.13, 62.2.1, 62.2.2, 62.2.3, 62.2.4, 62.2.5, 62.2.6, 62.2.8, 62.2.9,62.2.10,

62.2.11, 62.2.12, and adding sections 62.1.15 and 62.1.16 of the Torrance Municipal Code related to bicycle use. Copies of the Ordinance are available from the City Clerk’s Office or online at www.torranceca.gov.
*****City Clerk to add a paragraph stating the names of the City Council members who voted in favor and those who voted against.*****
19 ATTACHMENT 5

SECTIONS TO AMEND

62.1.1 DEFINITION.

62.1.2 TRAFFIC LAWS APPLY TO PERSONS RIDING BICYCLES.

62.1.3 RIDING IN A GROUP.

Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.

62.1.4 RIDING ON SIDEWALKS.
a) No person shall ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk within any business district as defined by California Vehicle Code Section 235, and as may be subsequently amended by State law, or upon the sidewalk adjacent to any public school property, church, recreation center or playground.
b) Whenever any person is riding a bicycle upon a sidewalk, such person shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian, and when overtaking or passing a pedestrian, after giving an audible signal, shall at all times, pass to the left of such pedestrian. c) No person shall ride a class 3 electric bicycle, as defined by California Vehicle Code section 312.5, and as may be subsequently amended by State law, upon any sidewalk.

62.1.8 PARKING.
a) No person shall leave a bicycle standing, unattended or otherwise parked upon the driveways, paths, or grounds of the Civic Center of the City of Torrance. Bicycles may only be parked in designated bicycle rack areas.
b) Any person who violates subsection (a) of this section, will be guilty of an infraction. 20 49.2.7 USE OF PARKS.
a) No person shall play upon, use, occupy, or participate in any activity, including but not limited to skating, skateboarding, or riding or driving any bicycle, motor scooter, motorcycle, or other vehicle, or permit others to play upon, use, occupy, or participate in any activity, including but not limited to skating, skateboarding, or riding or driving any bicycle, motor scooter, motorcycle, or other vehicle, in or upon a park, park facility, playground, court, pool or structure, in a manner not intended for such play, use, occupancy, or participation.
b) No person shall disturb, displace, or move any building, monument, sign, fence, bench, structure, apparatus, equipment, nor shall any person cut, remove, injure, or destroy, any tree, plant, shrub, bloom or flower, or any portion thereof, wood, turf, grass, soil, rock, sand or gravel or other property in any park, playground, court, pool or structure. This subsection (b) shall not apply to a duly authorized city employee or city contractor in performance of their duties. c) No person shall erect, construct, equip, build, form, use, transport, or otherwise cause to exist, any skate, skateboard, bicycle, motorcycle, or other vehicle, or pedestrian ramp, jump, or other similar structures in any park, playground, court, pool or structure, including park parking lots and adjacent sidewalks or roadways. d) Vehicles or equipment of the City or of a contractor employed by the City shall not be prohibited from driving or operating within any park, playground, court, pool or structure in the normal course of maintenance, construction or repair. e) No person shall ride a class 3 electric bicycle, as defined by California Vehicle Code section 312.5, and as may be subsequently amended by State law, in any park, playground, court, pool or structure.
21 SECTIONS TO ADD

62.1.14 UNSAFE SPEED PROHIBITED
a) No person shall operate a bicycle at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic conditions, the conditions of the surface and width of the path, roadway, or sidewalk, the environmental conditions at the time, and the design, condition, and functional limitations of the bicycle, including its braking system, tires, and safety equipment, as well as the protective gear worn by the rider, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.

62.1.15 STUNT RIDING PROHIBITED
a) No person shall engage in stunt riding on any public street, sidewalk, alley, park, plaza, off-street parking facility, trail, or path.
b) Stunt riding means operating a bicycle or electric bicycle in a manner not intended by the manufacturer, including but not limited to riding on one wheel (wheelie), standing or sitting on the handlebars, top tube, pegs, seat, or frame, spinning the rear wheel in place, intentionally causing the bicycle to lose traction, or engaging in other acrobatic or trick maneuvers not consistent with safe operation.

62.1.16 USE OF HANDHELD DEVICES PROHIBITED
(a) A person shall not ride a bicycle while holding and operating a handheld wireless telephone or an electronic wireless communications device unless the wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device is specifically designed and configured to allow voice-operated and hands-free operation, and it is used in that manner while riding the bicycle.
(b) This section shall not apply to manufacturer-installed systems that are embedded in the bicycle or its equipment.
(c) A handheld wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device may be operated in a manner requiring the use of the rider’s hand while operating a bicycle only if both of the following conditions are satisfied:
(1) The handheld wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device is mounted on the bicycle’s handlebars or frame in a manner that does not hinder the rider’s view of the roadway or surroundings. (2) The rider’s hand is used to activate or deactivate a feature or function of the handheld wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device with the motion of a single swipe or tap of the rider’s finger. 22 (d) This section does not apply to a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other emergency services professional using an electronic wireless communications device while operating a bicycle in the course and scope of their duties. 23 ATTACHMENT 6

SECTIONS TO AMEND

62.1.1 DEFINITION.

The term bicycle shall mean and include every device denominated as a bicycle by Sections 231 and 312.521200 of the California Vehicle Code, and as may be subsequently amended by State law. An electric bicycle is a bicycle.

62.1.2 TRAFFIC LAWS APPLY TO PERSONS RIDING BICYCLES.

Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway or sidewalk shall be subject to Article 4 of Chapter 1 of Division 11 of the California Vehicle Code and the provisions of Chapter 1 of this Division applicable to the driver of a vehicle, except as otherwise provided in this Chapter and except as to those provisions which, by their nature, can have no application.

62.1.3 RIDING IN A GROUP.

Persons operating riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two (2) abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.

62.1.4 RIDING ON SIDEWALKS.
a) No person shall ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk within any business district as defined by California Vehicle Code Section 235, and as may be subsequently amended by State law, or upon the sidewalk adjacent to any public school buildingproperty, church, recreation center or playground.
b) Whenever any person is riding a bicycle upon a sidewalk, such person shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian, and when overtaking or passing a pedestrian, after giving an audible signal, shall at all times, pass to the left of such pedestrian. c) No person shall ride a class 3 electric bicycle, as defined by California Vehicle Code section 312.5, and as may be subsequently amended by State law, upon any sidewalk.

62.1.8 PARKING.
(Amended by O-3849)
a) No person shall park a bicycle upon a public street or roadway. b) It is permissible to park upon a sidewalk in a rack to support the bicycle or against a building or upon a sidewalk in such a manner as to afford the least obstruction to pedestrian traffic.
ca) No person shall leave a bicycle standing, unattended or otherwise parked upon the driveways, paths, or grounds of the Civic Center of the City of Torrance. Bicycles may only be parked in designated bicycle rack areas.
24 db) Any person who violates subsection (a), subsection (b), or subsection (c) of this section, will be guilty of an infraction.

62.1.9 APPOINTMENT OF DEPUTIES.
(Amended by O-2590)
a) The Chief of Police is hereby empowered to appoint a limited number of persons to act as his deputies for the sole purpose of issuing bicycle registrations and license plates at designated places.
b) All persons acting as deputies shall make such necessary reports and accountings as required by the Finance Department on forms to be provided by said Department.

62.1.10 BICYCLES DEALERS’ REPORTS.
(Amended by O-1481)
Every person engaged in the business of buying or trading or selling secondhand bicycles shall make a weekly written report to the Chief of Police upon forms provided for that purpose by the Police Department of every bicycle purchased, traded or sold by such dealer during the past week, giving the name and address of the person from whom purchased or traded, or to whom sold, a description of such bicycle by name and make, the frame number thereof and the number of the license plate, if any, found thereon.

62.1.11 RENTAL AGENCIES.

A rental agency shall not rent or offer for rent any bicycle unless it is registered and licensed, and a license plate is attached thereto as provided for herein, and such bicycle must be equipped with the lamps and other equipment required by this Chapter, by other ordinances of the City, or by law of the State.

62.1.12 BICYCLE PATH SIGNS.
(Added by O-2602)
a) The Director of Transportation may cause signs to be posted prohibiting use of bicycle paths by pedestrians and animals, where the public safety so requires. b) In determining whether bicycle paths should be so posted, and what signs should be posted, the Director of Transportation shall consider the following:
1) Whether the conditions in the immediate vicinity of the bicycle path create a safety hazard to bicyclists, pedestrians, automobiles or animals. 2) The location of the bicycle path.
25 3) The extent and nature of uses surrounding the bicycle path. 4) The extent and nature of use of the bicycle path.

62.1.13 RIGHT OF APPEAL.
(Added by O-2602; Amended by O-2822)
a) The decision of the Director of Transportation to post signs along any portion of a bicycle path may be appealed to the Traffic Commission within fifteen (15) days of the decision of the Director of Transportation.
b) The decision of the Traffic Commission may be appealed pursuant to the provisions of Article 5, Chapter 1, Division 1 of this Code, commencing at Section 11.5.1.

ARTICLE 2 - LICENSE REGISTRATION
(Amended by O-2590)

62.2.1 LICENSE REQUIRED.
a) No resident of Torrance shall ride or propel any bicycle upon any street, alley, park or bicycle path or other public place in the City without first obtaining from the Police Department or deputy, a license therefor.
b) For the purposes of this Article, the term "bicycle" shall mean any device upon which a person may ride, which is propelled by human power through a system of belts, chains, or gears and which has wheels at least twenty (20) inches in diameter and a frame size of at least fourteen (14) inches.
c) Any bicycle not subject to the provisions of this Article may be licensed upon request of the owner.

62.2.2 REGISTRATION AND LICENSING.
(Amended by O-2369)
a) Application for registration and licensing of a bicycle shall be made by the owner of the bicycle, to the Police Department or person deputized to issue bicycle licenses pursuant to Section 62.1.9. of this Code. Such applications shall be upon appropriate forms as approved by the Department of Justice, and furnished by the License Supervisor and shall contain:
1) The full name, address, telephone number and age of the owner; 2) The full name, address and telephone number of the parent or guardian, if the owner is a minor;
26 3) A description of the bicycle, including the make, type and model and its frame and license number.
b) Whenever the owner of a bicycle, registered under this Article changes his place of residence, such owner shall notify the Police Department within ten (10) days. c) A license is not assignable and shall be valid only for the person in whose name it is issued.

62.2.3 INSPECTION OF BICYCLES.
(Amended by O-1481)
Any City employee authorized or deputized to register and license pursuant to this Chapter may refuse to register or license any bicycle which is determined to be in an unsafe mechanical condition.

62.2.4 REGISTRATION FEE AND LICENSE DURATION.
(Amended by O-2369)
a) All bicycle owners shall obtain a bicycle license within ten (10) days of acquiring possession of any bicycle.
b) When a license is obtained, a non-refundable registration fee shall be charged at the rate of One Dollar ($1.00) per year or any fraction thereof. All revenues derived therefrom shall be deposited into the City’s Bicycle Fund. c) Any person not employed by the City of Torrance who issues a bicycle license pursuant to the provisions of Section 62.1.9. of this Chapter may in addition to the registration fee described in paragraph b) of this Section charge and retain a service fee of fifty cents ($0.50) per license issued.
d) All bicycle licenses shall be valid for a time commencing on the date of issuance and terminating on December 31, 1978. Renewals of said licenses shall be for such duration as is or shall be provided by regulation of the California Department of Motor Vehicles.

62.2.5 SALES OR TRANSFERS.
a) Every purchaser or transferee of any bicycle which has previously been registered and licensed in accordance with the provisions of this Article shall within ten (10) days of obtaining Title or possession inform the Police Department of such purchase or transfer and shall make application for a change of registration for such bicycle and shall present the registration card which has previously been issued for such bicycle, or a duplicate thereof issued in accordance with the provisions of this Article. 27 b) The Police Department shall make a record of the name and address of the new owner of such bicycle and shall issue a registration card to the new owner. Such registration card shall bear the same license number currently assigned to such bicycle and the serial number of said bicycle.

62.2.6 LICENSE PLATES.

Upon the registration of any bicycle, a license plate of the type supplied by the California Department of Motor Vehicles shall be issued to the owner thereof.

62.2.8 DISPLAY OF LICENSE PLATES.
a) Every bicycle license plate issued pursuant to this Article shall be firmly attached to the frame of the bicycle for which issued, in such a position as to be plainly visible at all times.
b) Every license plate shall at all times be securely fastened to the bicycle for which it is issued and shall be maintained, free from foreign material, and in a condition to be clearly legible.
c) Every license plate shall remain attached to the bicycle for which it is issued.

62.2.9 REGISTRATION OF BICYCLES.

Upon issuing any bicycle license as herein provided, a registration certificate shall be issued to the owner thereof. The registration shall contain upon the face thereof the date issued, the name and address of the owner of the bicycle, and a description of such bicycle and such other information as is required in the application for registration of such bicycle.

62.2.10 RECORDS TO BE KEPT.
a) The Police Department shall keep a record of all bicycle registrations, including date of issuance of each license, the license number, the serial number of the bicycle, the make, type, and model of the bicycle, and the name and address of the licensee. b) Bicycle registration records shall be maintained during the validity of the license or upon notification that the bicycle no longer is to be operated.

62.2.11 STOLEN, LOST OR DAMAGED CERTIFICATE CARD OR PLATE. a) In the event any license plate or registration card is stolen, lost, mutilated or illegible, the owner of the bicycle for which same was issued shall immediately make application to the Police Department or the Fire Department for a duplicate registration card or license plate. Thereupon the Police Department, upon satisfactory proof that the original registration or license plate is stolen, lost, mutilated or illegible, and upon the payment of a fee of twenty-five (25) cents shall issue such plate or registration card. 28 62.2.12 REMOVAL, DESTRUCTION OR ALTERATION OF LICENSE PLATES.

No person shall willfully or maliciously remove, destroy, mutilate or alter the serial number on any bicycle licensed and registered hereunder, or remove, destroy, mutilate or alter any license plate or registration card while the same is in effect as such, except in the event that the bicycle is dismantled and no longer operated upon any streets in this City. Provided, however, that nothing herein shall prohibit the person issuing the license from numbering frames of bicycles on which no serial number is legible or which serial number is insufficient for identification purposes in accordance with the system therefor prescribed by the Chief of Police.

49.2.7 USE OF PARKS.
(Added by O-3406)
a) a) No person shall play upon, use, occupy, or participate in any activity, including but not limited to skating, skateboarding, or riding or driving any bicycle, motor scooter, motorcycle, or other vehicle, or permit others to play upon, use, occupy, or participate in any activity, including but not limited to skating, skateboarding, or riding or driving any bicycle, motor scooter, motorcycle, or other vehicle, in or upon a park, park facility, playground, court, pool or structure, in a manner not intended for such play, use, occupancy, or participation, and which play, use, occupancy, or participation causes, or is likely to cause, damage or injury to the said park, facility, playground, court, pool or structure.
b) No person shall disturb, displace, or move any building, monument, sign, fence, bench, structure, apparatus, equipment, nor shall any person cut, remove, injure, or destroy, any tree, plant, shrub, bloom or flower, or any portion thereof, wood, turf, grass, soil, rock, sand or gravel or other property in any park, playground, court, pool or structure. This subsection (b) shall not apply to a duly authorized city employee or city contractor in performance of their duties. c) No person shall erect, construct, equip, build, form, use, transport, or otherwise cause to exist, any skate, skateboard, bicycle, motorcycle, or other vehicle, or pedestrian ramp, jump, or other similar structures in any park, playground, court, pool or structure, including park parking lots and adjacent sidewalks or roadways. bd) No person shall skate, skateboard, or ride or drive any bicycle, motor scooter, motorcycle, or other vehicle, or permit others to skate, skateboard, or ride or drive any bicycle, motor scooter, motorcycle, or other vehicle in or upon any park, playground, court, pool or structure so as to cause damage or injury, or which activity is likely to cause damage or injury to the said park, playground, court, pool or structure; provided, however, that vehicles Vehicles or equipment of the City or of a contractor employed by 29 the City shall not be prohibited from driving or operating within any park, playground, court, pool or structure in the normal course of maintenance, construction or repair. e) No person shall ride a class 3 electric bicycle, as defined by California Vehicle Code section 312.5, and as may be subsequently amended by State law, in any park, playground, court, pool or structure.
30 SECTIONS TO ADD

62.1.16 USE OF HANDHELD DEVICES PROHIBITED
(a) A person shall not ride a bicycle while holding and operating a handheld wireless telephone or an electronic wireless communications device unless the wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device is specifically designed and configured to allow voice-operated and hands-free operation, and it is used in that manner while riding the bicycle.
(b) This section shall not apply to manufacturer-installed systems that are embedded in the bicycle or its equipment.
(c) A handheld wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device may be operated in a manner requiring the use of the rider’s hand while operating a bicycle only if both of the following conditions are satisfied:
(1) The handheld wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device is mounted on the bicycle’s handlebars or frame in a manner that does not hinder the rider’s view of the roadway or surroundings. 31 (2) The rider’s hand is used to activate or deactivate a feature or function of the handheld wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device with the motion of a single swipe or tap of the rider’s finger. (d) This section does not apply to a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or other emergency services professional using an electronic wireless communications device while operating a bicycle in the course and scope of their duties. 32 TRAFFIC COMMISSION MEETING
7B. Amendment to the Torrance Municipal Code Division 6, Chapter 2 Regarding Bicycles and Division 4, Chapter 9, Section 49.2.7 Regarding Use of Parks.

Presented by:
• Charles Fisher, Police Lieutenant – Traffic and Special Events

November 3, 2025

ATTACHMENT 7
33 ATTACHMENT 7

TRAFFIC COMMISSION MEETING
Amendment to the Torrance Municipal Code
• Existing bicycle code predates modern e-bike use.
• Rapid increase in e-bike ridership among youth
and commuters.
• Need to align with California Vehicle Code
• (CVC 231 & 312.5)
• Improve safety and consistency in enforcement.
7B. Amendment to the Torrance Municipal Code (TMC): Bicycle and E-Bike Regulations 34 TRAFFIC COMMISSION MEETING
Review and Coordination
• Joint review by Public Works, TPD, and the City
Attorney’s Office.
• Comparative analysis with CVC provisions.
• Identification of outdated, redundant, or conflicting sections.
• Drafted proposed amendments, additions, and
eliminations.
7B. Amendment to the Torrance Municipal Code (TMC): Bicycle and E-Bike Regulations 35 TRAFFIC COMMISSION MEETING
Key Amendments
• 62.1.1 – Definition: Includes e-bikes as bicycles
under State law.
• 62.1.4 – Sidewalks: Prohibits using Class 3 e-bikes
near schools, churches, and playgrounds.
• 49.2.7 – Parks: Prohibits using Class 3 e-bikes in
City parks.
7B. Amendment to the Torrance Municipal Code (TMC): Bicycle and E-Bike Regulations 36 TRAFFIC COMMISSION MEETING
New Code Sections
• 62.1.14 – Unsafe Speed Prohibited
• 62.1.15 – Stunt Riding Prohibited
• 62.1.16 – Use of Handheld Devices Prohibited
7B. Amendment to the Torrance Municipal Code (TMC): Bicycle and E-Bike Regulations 37 TRAFFIC COMMISSION MEETING
New Code Sections
• 62.1.14 – Unsafe Speed Prohibited
No person shall operate a bicycle at a speed greater than is reasonable or prudent having due regard for weather, visibility, the traffic conditions, the conditions of the surface and width of the path, roadway, or sidewalk, the environmental conditions at the time, and the design, condition, and functional limitations of the bicycle, including its braking system, tires, and safety equipment, as well as the protective gear worn by the rider, and in no event at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property. 7B. Amendment to the Torrance Municipal Code (TMC): Bicycle and E-Bike Regulations 38 TRAFFIC COMMISSION MEETING
New Code Sections
• 62.1.15 – Stunt Riding Prohibited
a) No person shall engage in stunt riding on any public street, sidewalk, alley, park, plaza, off-street parking facility, trail, or path. b) Stunt riding means operating a bicycle or electric bicycle in a manner not intended by the manufacturer, including but not limited to riding on one wheel (wheelie), standing or sitting on the handlebars, top tube, pegs, seat, or frame, spinning the rear wheel in place, intentionally causing the bicycle to lose traction, or engaging in other acrobatic or trick maneuvers not consistent with safe operation.
7B. Amendment to the Torrance Municipal Code (TMC): Bicycle and E-Bike Regulations 39 TRAFFIC COMMISSION MEETING
New Code Sections
• 62.1.16 – Use of Handheld Devices Prohibited
(a) A person shall not ride a bicycle while holding and operating a handheld wireless telephone or an electronic wireless communications device unless the wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device is specifically designed and configured to allow voice-operated and hands-free operation, and it is used in that manner while riding the bicycle.
7B. Amendment to the Torrance Municipal Code (TMC): Bicycle and E-Bike Regulations 40 TRAFFIC COMMISSION MEETING
Elimination
• Eliminates obsolete registration and procedural
requirements related to bicycles.
• Removes duplicate safety language already
covered under State law.
• Simplifies language for clarity and enforcement
consistency.
• Streamlines the code for modern bicycle and e-bike
operation.
7B. Amendment to the Torrance Municipal Code (TMC): Bicycle and E-Bike Regulations 41 TRAFFIC COMMISSION MEETING
Community and Safety Benefits
• Increases safety for pedestrians and riders.
• Enhances education-first enforcement approach.
• Aligns local ordinances with State standards.
• Supports TUSD outreach efforts and community
partnerships.
7B. Amendment to the Torrance Municipal Code (TMC): Bicycle and E-Bike Regulations 42 TRAFFIC COMMISSION MEETING
Questions and Discussion
7B. Amendment to the Torrance Municipal Code (TMC): Bicycle and E-Bike Regulations 43 Attachment 4 – California Vehicle Code
Sections 21200–21213

DIVISION 11. RULES OF THE ROAD [21000 - 23336] ( Division 11 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. )
CHAPTER 1. Obedience to and Effect of Traffic Laws [21000 - 21300] ( Chapter 1 enacted by Stats. 1959, Ch. 3. )
ARTICLE 4. Operation of Bicycles [21200 - 21214.7] ( Article 4 added by Stats. 1963, Ch. 479. )

21200. (a) (1) A person riding a bicycle or operating a pedicab upon a highway has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle by this division, including, but not limited to, provisions concerning driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs, and by Division 10 (commencing with Section 20000), Section 27400, Division 16.7 (commencing with Section 39000), Division 17 (commencing with Section 40000.1), and Division 18 (commencing with Section 42000), except those provisions which by their very nature can have no application. (2) A person operating a bicycle on a Class I bikeway, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, has all the rights and is subject to all the provisions applicable to the driver of a vehicle pursuant to Section 20001, except those provisions which by their very nature can have no application. (b) (1) A peace officer, as defined in Chapter 4.5 (commencing with Section 830) of Title 3 of Part 2 of the Penal Code, operating a bicycle during the course of his or her duties is exempt from the requirements of subdivision (a), except as those requirements relate to driving under the influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs, if the bicycle is being operated under any of the following circumstances:
(A) In response to an emergency call.
(B) While engaged in rescue operations.
(C) In the immediate pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law. (2) This subdivision does not relieve a peace officer from the duty to operate a bicycle with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway. (Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 139, Sec. 1. (AB 1755) Effective January 1, 2019.)

ATTACHMENT 8
44 ATTACHMENT 8
21200.5. Notwithstanding Section 21200, it is unlawful for any person to ride a bicycle upon a highway while under the influence of an alcoholic beverage or any drug, or under the combined influence of an alcoholic beverage and any drug. Any person arrested for a violation of this section may request to have a chemical test made of the person’s blood, breath, or urine for the purpose of determining the alcoholic or drug content of that person’s blood pursuant to Section 23612, and, if so requested, the arresting officer shall have the test performed. A conviction of a violation of this section shall be punished by a fine of not more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250). Violations of this section are subject to Section 13202.5.
(Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 22, Sec. 17. Effective May 26, 1999.) 21201. (a) No person shall operate a 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.
(b) No person shall operate on the highway a bicycle equipped with handlebars so raised that the operator must elevate his or her hands above the level of his or her shoulders in order to grasp the normal steering grip area.
(c) No person shall operate upon a highway a bicycle that is of a size that prevents the operator from safely stopping the bicycle, supporting it in an upright position with at least one foot on the ground, and restarting it in a safe manner. (d) A bicycle operated during darkness upon a highway, a sidewalk where bicycle operation is not prohibited by the local jurisdiction, or a bikeway, as defined in Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, shall be equipped with all of the following:
(1) A lamp emitting a white light that, while the bicycle is in motion, illuminates the highway, sidewalk, or bikeway in front of the bicyclist and is visible from a distance of 300 feet in front and from the sides of the bicycle.
(2) A red 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 when directly in front of lawful upper beams of headlamps on a motor vehicle.
(3) A white or yellow reflector on each pedal, shoe, or ankle visible from the front and rear of the bicycle from a distance of 200 feet.
(4) A white or yellow reflector on each side forward of the center of the bicycle, and a white or red reflector on each side to the rear of the center of the bicycle, except that bicycles that are equipped with reflectorized tires on the front and the rear need not be equipped with these side reflectors.

45 The reflectors and reflectorized tires shall be of a type meeting requirements established by the department.
(e) A lamp or lamp combination, emitting a white light, attached to the operator and visible from a distance of 300 feet in front and from the sides of the bicycle, may be used in lieu of the lamp required by paragraph (1) of subdivision (d).
(Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 549, Sec. 2. (AB 28) Effective January 1, 2016.) 21201.3. (a) A bicycle or motorized bicycle used by a peace officer, as defined in Section 830.1 of, subdivision (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), or (i) of Section 830.2 of, subdivision (b) or (d) of Section 830.31 of, subdivision (a) or (b) of Section 830.32 of, Section 830.33 of, subdivision (a) of Section 830.36 of, subdivision (a) of Section 830.4 of, or Section 830.6 of, the Penal Code, in the performance of the peace officer’s duties, may display a steady or flashing blue warning light that is visible from the front, sides, or rear of the bicycle or motorized bicycle.
(b) No person shall display a steady or flashing blue warning light on a bicycle or motorized bicycle except as authorized under subdivision (a).
(Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 877, Sec. 65. Effective January 1, 1999.) 21201.5. (a) No person shall sell, or offer for sale, a reflex reflector or reflectorized tire of a type required on a bicycle unless it meets requirements established by the department. If there exists a federal Consumer Product Safety Commission regulation applicable to bicycle reflectors, the provisions of that regulation shall prevail over provisions of this code or requirements established by the department pursuant to this code relative to bicycle reflectors.
(b) No person shall sell, or offer for sale, a new bicycle that is not equipped with a red reflector on the rear, a white or yellow reflector on each pedal visible from the front and rear of the bicycle, a white or yellow reflector on each side forward of the center of the bicycle, and a white or red reflector on each side to the rear of the center of the bicycle, except that bicycles which are equipped with reflectorized tires on the front and rear need not be equipped with these side reflectors.
(c) Area reflectorizing material meeting the requirements of Section 25500 may be used on a bicycle.
(Amended by Stats. 1980, Ch. 399, Sec. 2. Effective July 11, 1980.) 21202. (a) Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at that time shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations:
(1) When overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction.
46 (2) When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. (3) When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions (including, but not limited to, fixed or moving objects, vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or substandard width lanes) that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge, subject to the provisions of Section 21656. For purposes of this section, a “substandard width lane” is a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.
(4) When approaching a place where a right turn is authorized. (b) Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway of a highway, which highway carries traffic in one direction only and has two or more marked traffic lanes, may ride as near the left-hand curb or edge of that roadway as practicable.
(Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 674, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 1997.) 21203. No person riding upon any motorcycle, motorized bicycle, bicycle, coaster, roller skates, sled, or toy vehicle shall attach the same or himself to any streetcar or vehicle on the roadway.
(Amended by Stats. 1981, Ch. 813, Sec. 11.)
21204. (a) A person operating a bicycle upon a highway shall not ride other than upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached thereto, unless the bicycle was designed by the manufacturer to be ridden without a seat.
(b) An operator shall not allow a person riding as a passenger, and a person shall not ride as a passenger, on a bicycle upon a highway other than upon or astride a separate seat attached thereto. If the passenger is four years of age or younger, or weighs 40 pounds or less, the seat shall have adequate provision for retaining the passenger in place and for protecting the passenger from the moving parts of the bicycle. (Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 594, Sec. 1. (SB 527) Effective January 1, 2010.) 21205. No person operating a bicycle shall carry any package, bundle or article which prevents the operator from keeping at least one hand upon the handlebars. (Added by Stats. 1963, Ch. 479.)
21206. This chapter does not prevent local authorities, by ordinance, from regulating the registration of bicycles and the parking and operation of bicycles on pedestrian or bicycle facilities, provided such regulation is not in conflict with the provisions of this code. (Amended by Stats. 1976, Ch. 751.)
47 21207. (a) This chapter does not prohibit local authorities from establishing, by ordinance or resolution, bicycle lanes separated from any vehicular lanes upon highways, other than state highways as defined in Section 24 of the Streets and Highways Code and county highways established pursuant to Article 5 (commencing with Section 1720) of Chapter 9 of Division 2 of the Streets and Highways Code.
(b) Bicycle lanes established pursuant to this section shall be constructed in compliance with Section 891 of the Streets and Highways Code.
(Amended by Stats. 1993, Ch. 517, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 1994.) 21207.5. (a) Notwithstanding Sections 21207 and 23127 of this code, or any other law, a motorized bicycle shall not be operated on a bicycle path or trail, bikeway, bicycle lane established pursuant to Section 21207, equestrian trail, or hiking or recreational trail, unless it is within or adjacent to a roadway or unless the local authority or the governing body of a public agency having jurisdiction over the path or trail permits, by ordinance, that operation.
(b) The local authority or governing body of a public agency having jurisdiction over an equestrian trail, or hiking or recreational trail, may prohibit, by ordinance, the operation of an electric bicycle or any class of electric bicycle on that trail. (c) The Department of Parks and Recreation may prohibit the operation of an electric bicycle or any class of electric bicycle on any bicycle path or trail within the department’s jurisdiction.
(Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 343, Sec. 1. (AB 1909) Effective January 1, 2023.) 21208. (a) Whenever a bicycle lane has been established on a roadway pursuant to Section 21207, any person operating a bicycle upon the roadway at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at that time shall ride within the bicycle lane, except that the person may move out of the lane under any of the following situations:
(1) When overtaking and passing another bicycle, vehicle, or pedestrian within the lane or about to enter the lane if the overtaking and passing cannot be done safely within the lane. (2) When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway. (3) When reasonably necessary to leave the bicycle lane to avoid debris or other hazardous conditions.
(4) When approaching a place where a right turn is authorized.

48 (b) No person operating a bicycle shall leave a bicycle lane until the movement can be made with reasonable safety and then only after giving an appropriate signal in the manner provided in Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 22100) in the event that any vehicle may be affected by the movement.
(Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 674, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 1997.) 21209. (a) No person shall drive a motor vehicle in a bicycle lane established on a roadway pursuant to Section 21207 except as follows:
(1) To park where parking is permitted.
(2) To enter or leave the roadway.
(3) To prepare for a turn within a distance of 200 feet from the intersection. (b) This section does not prohibit the use of a motorized bicycle in a bicycle lane, pursuant to Section 21207.5, at a speed no greater than is reasonable or prudent, having due regard for visibility, traffic conditions, and the condition of the roadway surface of the bicycle lane, and in a manner which does not endanger the safety of bicyclists. (Amended by Stats. 1988, Ch. 262, Sec. 1.)
21210. No person shall leave a bicycle lying on its side on any sidewalk, or shall park a bicycle on a sidewalk in any other position, so that there is not an adequate path for pedestrian traffic. Local authorities may, by ordinance or resolution, prohibit bicycle parking in designated areas of the public highway, provided that appropriate signs are erected.
(Added by Stats. 1976, Ch. 751.)
21211. (a) No person may stop, stand, sit, or loiter upon any class I bikeway, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, or any other public or private bicycle path or trail, if the stopping, standing, sitting, or loitering impedes or blocks the normal and reasonable movement of any bicyclist.
(b) No person may place or park any bicycle, vehicle, or any other object upon any bikeway or bicycle path or trail, as specified in subdivision (a), which impedes or blocks the normal and reasonable movement of any bicyclist unless the placement or parking is necessary for safe operation or is otherwise in compliance with the law. (c) This section does not apply to drivers or owners of utility or public utility vehicles, as provided in Section 22512.
(d) This section does not apply to owners or drivers of vehicles who make brief stops while engaged in the delivery of newspapers to customers along the person’s route. 49 (e) This section does not apply to the driver or owner of a rubbish or garbage truck while actually engaged in the collection of rubbish or garbage within a business or residence district if the front turn signal lamps at each side of the vehicle are being flashed simultaneously and the rear turn signal lamps at each side of the vehicle are being flashed simultaneously.
(f) This section does not apply to the driver or owner of a tow vehicle while actually engaged in the towing of a vehicle if the front turn signal lamps at each side of the vehicle are being flashed simultaneously and the rear turn signal lamps at each side of the vehicle are being flashed simultaneously.
(Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 127, Sec. 7. Effective July 30, 2001.) 21212. (a) A person under 18 years of age shall not operate a bicycle, a nonmotorized scooter, or a skateboard, nor wear in-line or roller skates, nor ride upon a bicycle, a nonmotorized scooter, or a skateboard as a passenger, upon a street, bikeway, as defined in Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, or any other public bicycle path or trail unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or standards subsequently established by those entities. This requirement also applies to a person who rides upon a bicycle while in a restraining seat that is attached to the bicycle or in a trailer towed by the bicycle. (b) A helmet sold or offered for sale for use by operators and passengers of bicycles, nonmotorized scooters, skateboards, or in-line or roller skates shall be conspicuously labeled in accordance with the standard described in subdivision (a), which shall constitute the manufacturer’s certification that the helmet conforms to the applicable safety standards. (c) A person shall not sell, or offer for sale, for use by an operator or passenger of a bicycle, nonmotorized scooter, skateboard, or in-line or roller skates any safety helmet that is not of a type meeting requirements established by this section. (d) A charge under this section shall be dismissed when the person charged alleges in court, under oath, that the charge against the person is the first charge against that person under this section, unless it is otherwise established in court that the charge is not the first charge against the person.
(e) (1) Except as provided in subdivision (d), a violation of this section is an infraction punishable by a fine of not more than twenty-five dollars ($25). (2) The parent or legal guardian having control or custody of an unemancipated minor whose conduct violates this section shall be jointly and severally liable with the minor for the amount of the fine imposed pursuant to this subdivision.

50 (f) A record of the action shall not be transmitted to the court and a fee shall not be imposed pursuant to Section 40611 upon a citation for not wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet pursuant to subdivision (a) if the parent or legal guardian of the person described in subdivision (a) delivers proof to the issuing agency within 120 days after the citation was issued that the person has a helmet meeting the requirements specified in subdivision (a) and the person has completed a local bicycle safety course or a related safety course, if one is available, as prescribed by authorities in the local jurisdiction. (g) Notwithstanding Section 1463 of the Penal Code or any other law, the fines collected for a violation of this section shall be allocated as follows:
(1) Seventy-two and one-half percent of the amount collected shall be deposited in a special account of the county health department, to be used for bicycle, nonmotorized scooter, skateboard, and in-line and roller skate safety education and for assisting low-income families in obtaining approved bicycle helmets for persons under 18 years of age, either on a loan or purchase basis. The county may contract for the implementation of this program, which, to the extent practicable, shall be operated in conjunction with the child passenger restraint program pursuant to Section 27360.
(2) Two and one-half percent of the amount collected shall be deposited in the county treasury to be used by the county to administer the program described in paragraph (1). (3) If the violation occurred within a city, 25 percent of the amount collected shall be transferred to, and deposited in, the treasury of that city. If the violation occurred in an unincorporated area, this 25 percent shall be deposited and used pursuant to paragraph (1). (Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 497, Sec. 273. (AB 991) Effective January 1, 2020.) 21213. (a) A person under 16 years of age shall not operate a class 3 electric bicycle. (b) A person shall not operate a class 3 electric bicycle, or ride upon a class 3 electric bicycle as a passenger, upon a street, bikeway, as defined in Section 890.4 of the Streets and Highways Code, or any other public bicycle path or trail, unless that person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards of either the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) or the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), or standards subsequently established by those entities. This helmet requirement also applies to a person who rides upon a class 3 electric bicycle while in a restraining seat that is attached to the bicycle or in a trailer towed by the bicycle. (Added by Stats. 2015, Ch. 568, Sec. 6. (AB 1096) Effective January 1, 2016.) 51

Torrance City CouncilDecember 16, 2025

Torrance City Council
December 16, 2025