The city of Encinitas has launched an e-bike safety campaign following the implementation of an updated bicycle ordinance that took effect Wednesday, July 28.
The ordinance, which was approved by the City Council a month earlier, is in addition to declarations of states of emergency in coastal North County cities following community and regional concerns over e-bike safety. Two incidents over the past year have underscored those concerns — the June death of 15-year-old Brodee Braxton Champlain-Kingman in Encinitas and the August 2022 death of 35-year-old Christine Hawk Embree in Carlsbad.
Encinitas’ updated ordinance makes it illegal for a person to ride on a bicycle in a way that’s not designed for passenger use, according to a city announcement. San Diego County sheriff’s deputies may waive penalties for first-time violators if they complete an approved safety course.
“The health and safety of our residents is always the city’s number one concern,” Mayor Tony Kranz said in a city announcement. “With this local emergency declaration, we are redoubling our efforts to lower the number of reported bicycle collisions while we continue to educate the public on proper bicycling safety protocols and safe driving habits.”
The city has launched a public awareness and safety campaign as part of its efforts to curb incidents involving e-bikes.
Safety courses are currently being offered by the city in partnership with the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition. The courses cover rules of the road and essential bike riding skills with a trained bike instructor. While there is a waitlist available for an Aug. 19 class, there are five additional classes scheduled between September and November, according to the city.
Class dates and registration links are below. Registration starts Aug. 14 for classes in September through November.
Aug. 19
Sept. 16
Sept. 23
Oct. 21
Oct. 28
Nov. 18
The city is also publicizing its state of emergency and new ordinance through signs that residents can pick up and place on their lawns.
Signs come in four designs and are available on a first-come, first-served basis Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and alternate Fridays 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the locations below.
Encinitas City Hall, 505 S. Vulcan Ave.
Public Works Department, 160 Calle Magdalena
The signs can also be picked up at the Encinitas Community Center, 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive, Monday-Saturday 8 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sundays noon-5 p.m.
Drivers will also notice electronic message boards reminding commuters of the importance of bicycle safety.
More information about the Encinitas’ e-bike ordinance can be found at the city’s Electric Bikes webpage.