The Los Angeles City Council Friday took a step toward creating an ordinance that would ban electric bikes on outdoor trails used by regular bicycles, hikers and horse riders.
After Councilmember John Lee introduce a motion to tighten e-bike regulations last month, the council unanimously approve the plan to request the City Attorney’s Office to put forward the ordinance, which should include citation rules.
Additionally, the Department of Recreation and Parks would be expected to place signs and assist in the enforcement of the proposed ordinance.
The Los Angeles Police Department and Department of Transportation were expected to report on existing regulations on the use of electric bikes in the city, and assist with finalizing fines.
City Council members Eunisses Hernandez, Adrin Nazarian and Hugo Soto- Martinez were absent during the vote.
“As the City of Los Angeles continues to grow and expand, these outdoor spaces and trails have become vital lifelines for residents to enjoy public lands in a safe manner,” the motion reads. “However, the use of electric bicycles (e-bikes) on these trails have created dangerous situations on trails used by human and animals alike.”
In 2022, Assemblywoman Laura Friedman, D-Burbank, authored AB 1909, also known as the OmniBike Bill. Gavin Newsom signed the bill that same year, and it went into effect Jan. 1, 2024.
The law expanded regulations for cyclist safety, e-bike access and clarified legal rights for bicyclists in California. It also authorized local authorities to prohibit the use of any electric bicycle or any class of electric bicycle on an equestrian trail, hiking or recreational trail, as well as a bicycle path.
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