By City Manager Ken Striplin
With summer in full swing and our younger residents enjoying more free time outdoors, it is important that we have an honest conversation about e-bike safety and the growing concerns we are seeing in our community. E-bikes can be a fun and effective way to get around town, but with that convenience comes responsibility. As more riders take to our streets, trails and paseos this summer, it is important that parents and riders alike understand the rules, responsibilities and safety concerns that come with these vehicles.
Over the past year we have seen a troubling increase in unsafe riding behaviors, including excessive speeds, ignoring traffic signals, riding recklessly through crowded areas and operating vehicles that are not legally considered e-bikes at all. Many of the vehicles involved are electric motorcycles being ridden on sidewalks, paseos and public trails where they are not permitted. These vehicles often lack pedals, exceed legal speed limits and require registration, insurance and a licensed motorcycle operator to be ridden legally on public streets.
Unfortunately, there is a growing misconception that if a vehicle is electric, the rules somehow do not apply. That is simply not the case.
The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station will continue to increase enforcement efforts throughout the community, particularly around parks, schools, trails and other high-traffic areas. Riders who violate the law may face citations, fines and, in some cases, vehicle impounds. These consequences are real, and they are intended to protect the safety of everyone who uses our shared public spaces.
Parents play a critical role in this effort. Before purchasing an e-bike or electric-powered vehicle, take the time to understand what your child is riding and whether it is legal for where and how they intend to use it. Talk with local bike shops, ask questions and make sure riders understand the rules of the road. Helmets, safe speeds, yielding to pedestrians and riding responsibly are not optional. They are essential.
Traffic safety is a shared responsibility, and our community is strongest when everyone does their part. We want young riders to enjoy the independence and recreation that e-bikes can provide, but safety must come first. A moment of reckless behavior can have lifelong consequences.
Through the City’s Heads Up! program, we will continue working alongside our law enforcement partners to educate residents, encourage safe riding habits and keep Santa Clarita’s streets and trails safe for everyone. For more information about e-bike laws, safety tips and regulations, visit BikeSantaClarita.com/Ebikes.
Ken Striplin is the City Manager for the City of Santa Clarita and can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.gov.
