TO:
Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
THROUGH:
Talyn Mirzakhanian, City Manager
FROM:
Rachel Johnson, Police Chief
Quinn M. Barrow, City Attorney
SUBJECT: Title
Consideration of First Reading of an Ordinance Amending the Manhattan Beach Municipal Code Relating to Bicycles to: (1) Supplement Safety and Operational Requirements for Electric and Motorized Bicycles; and (2) Institute a Juvenile Diversion Program for Juvenile Violators of the Ordinance (No Budget Impact) (Police Chief Johnson).
INTRODUCE ORDINANCE NO. 26-0007
Body
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RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council introduce Ordinance No. 26-0007 to:
(1) supplement safety and operational requirements for electric and motorized bicycles; and (2) institute a juvenile diversion program for juvenile violators of Chapter 3.01.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
There are no fiscal implications associated with this report.
BACKGROUND:
On September 5, 2023, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 23-0008-U to supplement safety and operational requirements for electric and motorized bicycles (collectively "E-bikes"). Due to safety concerns and the proliferation of E-bikes in Manhattan Beach, the Manhattan Beach City Council was at the forefront of cities and a pioneer in proactively adopting local regulations to add another tool to protect public safety. Ordinance No. 23-0008-U is codified at Manhattan Beach Municipal Code Chapter 3.01. Based upon, in large part, the public's interest in the safe operation of E-bikes, Section 3.01.020 contains over 20 safety regulations.
Attached is a list from the Police Department (MBPD) of e-bike incidents since 2020 and enforcement information since the adoption of Ordinance No. 23-0008-U.
In addition, the City Council has: (1) initiated educational programs regarding E-bike safety in coordination with the MBPD and the Manhattan Beach Unified School District (2); engaged in lobbying efforts with S...
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