Prior History: Prior code §§ 31.62 and 31.64; Ord. 2173, 1959; Ord. 3033, 1965; Ord. 3350, 1969; Ord. 3795, 1975; and Ord. 5883, 2019
For the purpose of this chapter, the following words and phrases are defined as follows:
Bicycle.
The same meaning as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 231, as it may be amended from time to time.
Bicycle Lane.
The same meaning as defined in Street and Highways Code Section 890.4, as it may be amended from time to time.
Bicycle Path or Bicycle Trail.
The same meaning as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 231.5, as it may be amended from time to time.
E-Conveyance.
Any electric bicycle, electric scooter, electric skateboard, or other device that is designed to convey one or more people and is capable of being powered by human propulsion or electric motor propulsion.
Electric Bicycle.
All bicycles equipped with operable pedals and an electric motor, and shall include Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 units as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 312.5, as it may be amended from time to time.
Electric Skateboard.
A device that has a floorboard that is designed to be stood upon when riding that may powered by an electric motor and is capable of being powered by either human propulsion or electric motor propulsion.
Motorized Bicycle.
The same meaning as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 406, as it may be amended from time to time.
Motorized Scooter.
The same meaning as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 407.5, as it may be amended from time to time.
Narrow Width Lane.
A lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.
Pedestrian.
Has the same meaning as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 467, as it may be amended from time to time.
(Ord. 6173, 3/4/2025)
No person shall ride a bicycle or e-conveyance in an unsafe manner on a public street, public right-of-way, public place, or place open to the public for vehicle or pedestrian travel.
A. 
Riding in an unsafe manner means an operation:
1. 
In a manner that violates an existing traffic safety law; or
2. 
In a manner that constitutes a danger to the operator, a passenger, other motorists, other riders, pedestrians, or property.
B. 
Examples of riding in an unsafe manner may include, but are not limited to, the following examples:
1. 
Riding on a public street or bikeway against the flow of traffic.
2. 
Not yielding to vehicles or pedestrians when required.
3. 
Operating an e-conveyance in a manner it was not designed for, including carrying passengers when not designed for carrying passengers.
4. 
Failing to obey posted traffic or other signs.
5. 
A person under the age of 18 riding without a properly fitted and fastened helmet.
6. 
Engaging in racing or speed contests.
7. 
Carrying any package, bundle, item or article which prohibits the operator from having full control and forward visibility at all times.
8. 
Operating a bicycle or e-conveyance at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions then existing taking into account the weather, pedestrian and vehicular traffic, and the surface and width of the sidewalk or roadway.
9. 
Performing any acrobatics, tricks, wheelies, or stunts when pedestrians or moving vehicles are close proximity.
C. 
Any person operating a bicycle or e-conveyance upon a street at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at such 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, e-conveyance, or vehicle proceeding in the same direction.
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, e-conveyances, bicycles, pedestrians, animals, surface hazards, or narrow width lanes) that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge.
4. 
When operating as close as practicable to the left-hand curb or edge of the roadway on a one-way street.
D. 
Persons riding or operating bicycles or electric bicycles shall not ride more than two abreast, except on paths or parts of a roadway set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.
E. 
Any person operating a bicycle or e-conveyance who is emerging from an alley, driveway, bicycle path, building or otherwise approaching upon a sidewalk or sidewalk area, shall yield the right-of-way to all pedestrians on such sidewalk or sidewalk area, and upon entering a bicycle lane, highway, or street shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles, bicycles, or e-conveyances on the roadway.
(Ord. 6173, 3/4/2025)
A. 
All persons under the age of 18 operating or riding as a passenger upon a bicycle or e-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.
B. 
No 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.
C. 
All 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.
D. 
All bicycles and electric bicycles operated during darkness upon 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.
(Ord. 6173, 3/4/2025)
No person shall leave or park a bicycle, motorized bicycle, or e-conveyance in a manner that obstructs the pedestrian travel way of any sidewalk or pedestrian path, or on public property in violation of any official sign prohibiting parking of bicycles at a location.
(Ord. 6173, 3/4/2025)
A. 
Any person who violates the provisions of this chapter shall be subject to an infraction or administrative citation as described in subsection B below. First responders, as defined by California Government Code Section 8562, are exempt from this chapters while in the performance of their duties.
B. 
Administrative Fines. A violation of this chapter is also punishable by the following:
1. 
An administrative fine not exceeding $100.00 for the first violation.
2. 
An administrative fine not exceeding $200.00 for a second violation within one year of the first violation;
3. 
An administrative fine not exceeding $500.00 for each additional violation within one year of the first violation.
C. 
Appeal. Administrative citations issued pursuant to this chapter may be appealed according to the provisions of Sections 1.25.090 through 1.25.120 of this Code. In reviewing an appeal, the Hearing Administrator shall take into consideration the person’s ability to pay the fine. The citation must include notice of the right to appeal, including the right to request an ability-to-pay determination and shall make available information regarding how to file an appeal. If a person meets the criteria described in Government Code Section 68632(a) or (b), the City will accept, in full satisfaction, 20% of the administrative fine imposed pursuant to this section.
D. 
Violations by Minors. Any minor cited for committing a violation under Section 10.52.020 shall be required to participate in the Youth Diversion Program (or a substantially similar program if the Youth Diversion Program should cease to operate) that will help facilitate education on bicycle and e-conveyance safety. If the minor fails to participate in or complete the Youth Diversion program, the minor will then be issued an administrative fine pursuant to Section 10.52.060, and the parents or legal guardian(s) of that minor shall be jointly and severally liable for the administrative fine pursuant to this chapter. Both the minor and the parents or legal guardian(s) of that minor have the right to appeal the citation pursuant to this section prior to enrolling into the Youth Diversion Program or paying the administrative fine.
With respect to minors whose bicycling activities are in violation of this chapter 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 for property damage caused by such activity against the minor’s parent(s) or guardian having custody and control of the minor.
(Ord. 6173, 3/4/2025)