On Tuesday, Sep. 22, Riverside City Council unanimously decided to send an ordinance that would amend the city’s municipal code targeting unsafe riding on various e-mobility devices termed ‘e-conveyances.’ The decision came after more than 200 calls and 22 crashes reported to the Riverside Police Department (RPD), back to be further reviewed by the Safety, Wellness and Youth Committee following public feedback.
Currently, the ordinance would restrict the use of ‘e-conveyances’ such as e-bikes, e-scooters, electric skateboards among other devices operating on sidewalks and city property, including parks and trails like the Santa Ana River Trail. Additionally, the ordinance would prohibit e-conveyance users from operating devices in an unintended manner, including transporting multiple passengers at a time, carrying packages that may inhibit control or visibility and using a phone unless it’s used in hands-free operation among other safety-focused measures. Violations could result in a fine of $250 per infraction or $1000 per misdemeanor which would apply to all users, including minors, with parents of minors being responsible for the violation and fines.
The ordinance was initially scheduled for voting on Sept.15, but was pushed back to committee by the council members following criticism from online and in person comments. Public concerns mostly centered around the banning of the city’s trail networks and parks.
Riverside resident and commissioner of the Parks and Recreation Commission for Ward 2, Kevin Dawson, stated that as the ordinance is currently written he could not “identify any substantive changes,” from the prior ordinance. He also told the council, “the ordinance cites [Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)] rule for private businesses and other public accommodations, but Riverside is a public entity and a different ADA rule applies to cities, and that rule specifically addresses powered mobility devices used by people with mobile mobility disabilities and requires consideration on whether they can safely be accommodated.”
Following public comment which occurred on Sept. 22, Councilmember Sean Mill stated, “I want to make sure that we’re not banning e-bikes from the Santa Ana River Trail,” but further added that bicyclists need to be mindful of pedestrians in shared spaces. Councilmember Chuck Conder added, “We’re not trying to prohibit the legal use by responsible people, responsible adults, responsible youth … but we are trying to protect the health and safety of our citizenry.”
Conder and Mill have said at the meeting that they have worked for months with city staff and the RPD on the ordinance to address increased complaints and safety concerns from the community. Since the start of the year, RPD has reported more than 200 calls for service to its emergency and non-emergency phone line regarding e-bikes and over 22 crashes.
University of California, Riverside (UCR) campus research officer Kevin Gutierrez claimed that the ordinance would not affect use on campus, as municipal code only affects city property, but would regulate use on sidewalks and roads immediately surrounding it. Gutierrez added that the UCR scooter policy is also under review, as other campuses grapple with striking a balance between student flexibility and campus safety, stating “We want to make sure our decision making will keep our students safe, but still make these devices available for everyone…”
Riverside residents John and GiGi Arnold organize the Riverside Light Parade, a monthly bicycle event that draws more than 600 cyclists, many of which use e-bikes, along with running an e-bike sales business. John said he agreed with the city council on getting illegal e-bikes off the road, but cautioned that the ordinance as written would have a tremendous impact on the Riverside Light Parade, as they “ride though two parks,” during their monthly rides. He also stated , “So taking that away from us would be heartbreaking for a lot of people because they love riding through there,”
No date has yet been announced for when the committee will review it or when the ordinance will return to city council.
