Santa Barbara Police Increase Bicycle Enforcement after Safety Issues, Injuries and Complaints

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. — After months of concerns, the city of Santa Barbara has strengthened its ordinance to improve bike safety throughout the city. Officials say the changes come in response to frequent complaints, particularly in the downtown area, about accidents, injuries and reckless riding.

Santa Barbara police are now authorized to issue administrative citations for risky or unlawful riding behavior. Fines start at $100 and can increase to $500 for repeat offenses within a year. First-time offenders may be eligible to eliminate the fine by completing a safety diversion course.

“We want a safe place for everyone, whether they’re walking, biking or driving,” said Commander Chris Payne of the Santa Barbara Police Department.

The updated ordinance includes electric bikes, scooters, skateboards and other e-conveyances, as well as smaller motorcycle-style vehicles. Riders stopped on unapproved electric motorcycles can have the vehicle towed and impounded for 72 hours.

Citations have already been issued to minors riding without helmets, as well as to those riding recklessly, popping wheelies near pedestrians or cars, riding on sidewalks, running red lights and failing to yield.

“The educational aspect clearly has not taken root,” said David de L’Arbre, board president of the Downtown Santa Barbara Improvement Association. “So now they are in the enforcement phase, and I think that will have a bigger impact, especially among young bike riders who will realize there are real consequences to bad behavior on State Street.”

Police say enforcement efforts are supported by previous education and outreach, including school visits and social media campaigns.

The diversion program for first-time offenders includes a two-hour class and a short test.

“As long as they pass the test with 80 percent or better, the citation is excused,” Payne said.

Some local riders support the increased enforcement.

“I love biking here in town, but obviously there are rules that need to be followed or else it’s going to put people at risk,” said daily rider Oliver Banales Vallejo. “If you're going to be riding on the streets in Santa Barbara, you shouldn't be reckless. You're putting people in danger no matter what.”

City leaders say enforcement is only part of a larger discussion about how pedestrians, drivers and cyclists can safely share space downtown.

“The question is how to coexist in a fun and inviting way on State,” de L’Arbre said.

Police enforcement is ongoing, with motorcycle and bicycle officers patrolling the downtown corridor.