The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors has given preliminary approval to an updated ordinance that will restrict electronic bikes (e-bikes) and scooters from most sidewalks and parks. This decision comes as the county prepares to launch a bikeshare program that will introduce hundreds of e-bikes by the end of the year.

Supervisor Manu Koenig, the proposer of the new law, highlighted the need to update the existing ordinance to address the rising popularity of e-bikes, scooters, and skateboards. The revised code will prohibit e-bikes from being ridden on sidewalks, except when there is no dedicated bikeway available. This allowance aims to ensure the safety of younger bicyclists who may not be able to ride with traffic.

During the board's meeting, public commenters expressed concerns about the exemption allowing e-bikes on sidewalks and called for a complete ban. Jean Brocklebank, a member of the public, emphasized the importance of safe sidewalks and urged the board to strengthen the ordinance. She pointed out the lack of clarity regarding which sidewalks would be exempt and how it could pose risks to individuals with disabilities.

In addition to the sidewalk restrictions, e-bikes will also be prohibited from use in county parks unless explicitly authorized by the Parks Department. The violations of the new ordinance will remain infractions.

The approval of this ordinance aligns with the county's plans to introduce up to 600 e-bikes by 2024 through a partnership with BCycle Electric. By 2029, the county could potentially have up to 2,000 e-bikes available for public use.

While this new law marks a significant step in regulating e-bike usage, Supervisor Justin Cummings emphasized the need for further action, suggesting the installation of more bike lanes as a promising next step.

The draft ordinance received unanimous approval from the board and will undergo a final vote in an upcoming meeting. As the county takes measures to adapt to the evolving transportation landscape, the regulations surrounding e-bikes aim to balance safety, accessibility, and the growing demand for sustainable alternatives.

The updated ordinance passed by the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors reflects the increasing popularity of electronic bikes (e-bikes), scooters, and skateboards. The ordinance specifically addresses the need to regulate e-bikes by restricting their use on most sidewalks and parks. Supervisor Manu Koenig, the proposer of the law, recognized the importance of updating the existing ordinance to accommodate the growing presence of these alternative modes of transportation.

Under the revised code, e-bikes are prohibited from being ridden on sidewalks, except when there are no dedicated bikeways available. This exception aims to ensure the safety of younger bicyclists who may not be comfortable riding on busy roads. However, concerns have been raised regarding the clarity of which sidewalks will be exempt from this prohibition. Individuals with disabilities highlighted the potential risks posed by the ambiguous language of the ordinance.

Furthermore, e-bikes will be disallowed in county parks unless expressly authorized by the Parks Department. These regulations are intended to balance the use of e-bikes with the preservation and safety of public spaces.

The approval of this ordinance coincides with the county's plans to launch a bikeshare program, starting with the introduction of up to 600 e-bikes by the end of this year. In partnership with BCycle Electric, the county aims to have up to 2,000 e-bikes available for public use by 2029. This initiative showcases the county's commitment to sustainable transportation alternatives.

Supervisor Justin Cummings has stressed the need for further action beyond the ordinance, suggesting the installation of more bike lanes as a promising next step. By expanding the availability of bike lanes, the county can further promote the use of e-bikes and ensure safer road conditions for cyclists.

In conclusion, the approval of the updated ordinance represents an important move towards regulating the usage of e-bikes in Santa Cruz County. As the county adapts to the changing transportation landscape, these regulations aim to strike a balance between safety, accessibility, and the increasing demand for sustainable alternatives.