Electric Bike Rules of the Road
With summer in full swing, you have probably noticed that electric bikes (or e-bikes) have become a common site in our neighborhoods and on our major roadways. The increase of e-bikes in the community has obvious benefits such as reducing car trips, increasing youth mobility and independence and promoting outdoor activities. However, it has also sparked safety concerns and the City would like to remind residents of the rules of the road so that riders, pedestrians and other vehicles can safely share the road.
In California, bike riders (including e-bikes) are subject to many of the laws applicable to the driver of a vehicle which, simply put, means bikes and e-bikes must follow the rules of the road. Below are some of the main California Vehicle Codes that all bike riders must follow.
- Riders must ride in the same direction of traffic
- Proper reflective equipment should be used during night operation
- Helmets are required for those under 18 years of age
- It is illegal to carry passengers on your bicycle unless your bike has an extra permanent seat or when using a child safety seat and no passengers are allowed on Class 3 e-bikes (see graphic below for description of different e-bike classes)
- Riders must stop at a red light; stop before right turn on red light; stop at a stop sign; and stop for pedestrians at crosswalks & intersections
Recently, at the July 12th City Council Meeting, the Council held a discussion on e-bike safety. The discussion revolved around increased education and outreach (especially for young riders), improving bicycle infrastructure to make biking around town more safe and possible changes to the Municipal Code to give the Sheriff’s Department more enforcement tools to address unsafe riders. Staff will be coming back to Council at an upcoming meeting to continue the discussions and implementing safety and enforcement measures.
For more information on e-bike safety and what qualifies an e-bike, check out the City's official Electric Bike Safety page.
Coastal Rail Trail
Not all e-bikes are allowed on the Solana Beach Coastal Rail Trail. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed, but Class 3 e-bikes are not. The Coastal Rail Trail was created for the shared enjoyment of bicyclists and pedestrians. All bicyclists, including e-bicyclists, should take care when passing pedestrians by slowing down and giving them space. A soft bell ring or audio cue is also helpful for bicyclists passing pedestrians. We ask that all Coastal Rail Trail users ride and walk safely and courteously. Bicyclists who want to travel faster should use the bike lane on the roadway going northbound and sharrows in the southbound slow lane.
Please be neighborly and do your part to maintain the harmony of this great community. The City strongly encourages everyone to review the additional information on the City’s website if you own or use an e-bike and to please review these carefully with your children that use e-bikes within the community. The City strongly supports alternative modes of transportation and getting more people out of their cars, however, public safety is of utmost importance!