Santa Barbara City Council Expands Bicycle Regulations, Strengthens Enforcement

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — The Santa Barbara City Council unanimously amended a city code to curb bicycle-related issues and enhance enforcement Tuesday night.

"Enforcement has to happen," public speaker Frank Arrendondo said. "For years on Cabrillo Boulevard, bikes have just blasted through everything."

"Tonight, the public has repeatedly asked us how we are going to get more tools for enforcement of excessive e-bikes throughout the city, particularly on State Street," Councilmember Eric Friedman said. "This ordinance allows us to have those tools. It gives police the flexibility to assess situations for safety reasons, speed, and unsafe biking conditions."

Friedman had proposed naming the ordinance after News Channel reporter John Palminteri, who had a close call with a rider performing a wheelie on a Surron pocket bike recently.

New Regulations for Bicycle Safety

The amendments establish definitions for unsafe riding behaviors on public streets, rights of way, sidewalks, bicycle paths, lanes, and trails. It requires riders to use bike lanes when available, stay near the right curb on roads without bike lanes, ride in single file or no more than two abreast where permitted, and yield to pedestrians when emerging onto sidewalks. Bicycling on sidewalks is generally prohibited unless a safety threat exists according to the amendment. Helmets are required for riders under 18, and bicycles must have front and rear reflectors and functional brakes. Parking that obstructs pedestrian pathways is also prohibited.

The ordinance also encourages cyclists to walk their bikes on sidewalks during events such as farmers markets.

Rising E-Bike Collisions and Safety Concerns

During the meeting, Santa Barbara Police Cmdr. Christopher Payne presented data highlighting a significant increase in e-bike-related collisions between 2022 and 2024.

"In 2024, e-bicyclists were at fault in 69 collisions," Payne said. "They were either a party to or not found at fault in 38 cases. Out of those 107 collisions, e-bike riders were responsible in the majority of cases."

Payne emphasized that while enforcement is critical, education is also a key component of the ordinance.

"With this ordinance, we're looking for the ability to have a conversation and provide education to those who may not be riding in a manner we are accustomed to or expect in our community," he said.

Payne also noted the challenges the Police Department faces with staffing availability, service calls, and balancing community concerns.

Enforcement of Pocket Bikes and Impound Authority

Councilmember Mike Jordan asked Payne about off-road electric motorcycles with no turning pedals, which are not street-legal. Payne explained that under the California Vehicle Code, these vehicles are classified as “pocket bikes” and are illegal in the public right of way.

"The police have the authority to impound those for 72 hours," Payne said. When Jordan inquired about the consequences for riders caught using pocket bikes illegally, Payne confirmed that the primary enforcement action would be impounding the bike.

Citywide Application and Penalties

The amended ordinance applies citywide, not just on the promenade, where most complaints have surfaced. Violations are subject to fines ranging from $100 to $500, depending on the number of offenses within a year.

Youth Diversion Program Replaces Bike Impoundment for Juveniles

The draft ordinance initially proposed impounding bicycles and electric bicycles from underage riders operating unsafely, returning them to parents to facilitate discussions with law enforcement about safety concerns. However, the City Council approved a revised ordinance that replaces the impoundment provision with the Youth Diversion Program (formerly known as “Teen Court”). The program offers an educational alternative for juvenile offenders while involving parents or guardians in safety discussions.

"It's an opportunity for all teens to become educated on the rules of the road and achieve positive outcomes," Friedman said.

The Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse (CADA), which operates the program, has partnered with City staff to develop and administer the initiative, ensuring that young riders receive education on bicycle and e-conveyance laws as a preventative measure.