By Sydney Brammer, Times of San Diego contributor
Council members have reviewed areas of intense pedestrian use with a high level of conflict with e-bikes and recommended banning them in those areas. That includes sidewalks, the Paseo Lawn, the boardwalk near Coronado Shores, and the Promenade along the Glorietta Bay Marina.
The Port of San Diego has implemented similar regulations in the interest of public safety.
Since 2021, e-bike safety data shows consistent collision rates, with 72% of collisions involving an e-bike caused by the operator, often due to unsafe speeds, according to a council report. While many accidents are mild, some result in moderate or severe injuries.
The city has responded by implementing measures to address the concerns by launching an e-bike safety campaign, “E-Bike and B-Safe,” which includes resources and information.
While the ban isn’t official yet, city staff will return with draft policy changes for discussion and approval on Nov. 19, according to Andrea McCullough, the city of Coronado’s communications and engagement officer.
On Dec. 19, the council will return for the final reading and will officially adopt the policies, which go into effect 30 days later, in early January.
The goal of these safety efforts is to promote and increase the efficient use of sidewalks and other pedestrian pathways, McCullough told Times of San Diego in an email interview.
E-bikes are regulated by the California Vehicle Code and must adhere to certain rules, including a maximum speed of 28 mph.
In 2023, the city’s e-bike task force recommended strategies, adopted by the City Council, to create safety solutions. Some of these strategies include enforcing speed limits, impounding bikes for violations and expanding bike registration programs.
Since then, local police have issued 162 warnings and 23 citations, seized nine unsafe bikes and started introducing positive inducements to youth for good behavior, such as gift certificates for pizza and ice cream.
In an effort to increase safety, those under 12 years old are prohibited from riding an e-bike.
The Documenters program at inewsource trains and pays community members to document what happens at public meetings. This article was assigned after a tip from a Documenter. Read more about the program here.
Type of Content
Meeting Brief: An account of a public government proceeding, written and edited by the San Diego Documenters.
