Advocating for Safe, Accessible Cycling in San Diego
Celebrating community and car-free streets at Ciclovia in Encinitas!
The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition’s Commitment to Safe Cycling and Fair E-Bike Policies
The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition consistently promotes safe, equitable, and accessible cycling for all. With the rise of e-bikes as a sustainable and efficient mode of transportation, our commitment extends to ensuring their responsible use while opposing unnecessary restrictions that unfairly target riders of safe and legal e-bikes.
Understanding E-Bikes and the Issue at Hand
California law classifies e-bikes into three categories. However, they fundamentally differ from illegal electric motorcycles, often misrepresented as e-bikes.
Class 1 and 2 e-bikes have a top speed of 20 mph, with Class 1 requiring pedaling for motor assistance.
Class 3 e-bikes can reach 28 mph and are subject to additional safety requirements like helmet use.
These distinctions are vital, yet public perception often conflates legal e-bikes with illegal, high-speed electric motorcycles. This misunderstanding has led some municipalities to enact restrictions that unfairly penalize legitimate e-bike users and fail to address the safety concerns of rogue vehicles operating outside the law.
The Coalition’s Stand on E-Bike Policies
We align with statewide advocates in urging policymakers to:
Reject overregulation of Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes. Misdirected laws disproportionately affect law-abiding riders and discourage the adoption of sustainable transportation.
Focus on enforcement against illegally marketed and operated electric motorcycles, which are often the real source of public concern.
Prioritize education and infrastructure. Comprehensive road safety requires educating drivers, riders, and retailers about legal e-bike use, alongside building safe cycling infrastructure.
Addressing Safety While Protecting Riders’ Rights
The solution to safety concerns lies not in overregulating e-bikes but in fostering a transportation network that protects vulnerable road users. Key steps include:
Road Redesign: Protected bike lanes, bike boxes at intersections, and safe crossings reduce risks for all.
Driver Education: Expanding driver training to cover interactions with new cycling infrastructure is essential as cities adapt to the growing popularity of active transportation.
Enforcement Transparency: Over-policing bike riders, especially in communities of color, undermines trust and exacerbates inequities.
Advocating for a Greener, Safer Future
E-bikes are a cornerstone of sustainable urban mobility, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions while promoting active transportation. Criminalizing or restricting their use contradicts the state’s climate goals and desired public health benefits.
The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition is proud to stand with state and regional partners in supporting policies that prioritize safe cycling without stifling the progress of e-bike adoption. Together, we can build a transportation network that embraces all riders, fosters safety, and upholds equity.
