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HomeMy WebLinkAboutApprove for Introduction Ordinance No. 4344 Amending Hunting sr 2000 Main Street, �*eti\ -�•oti Huntington Beach,CA 92648 �_ —_ City of Huntington Beach APPROVED FOR ADOPTION 7-0 y• e= c�UNTY CPS File #: 25-887 MEETING DATE: 11/18/2025 REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members SUBMITTED BY: Travis Hopkins, City Manager VIA: Eric Parra, Chief of Police PREPARED BY: Thoby Archer, Lieutenant and Kimberly Rodriguez, Management Analyst Subject: Adopt Ordinance No. 4344 Amending Huntington Beach Municipal Code:Section 10.84 - Bicycle Regulations -Approved for Introduction November 4, 2025, by a vote of 7-0 Statement of Issue: Staff recommend amending Huntington Beach Municipal Code Section 10.84 - Bicycle Regulations to clarify and expand rules for electric bicycles (e-bikes). The proposed changes improve safety, support consistent enforcement, and provide clarity on applicable rules, addressing community concerns while meeting operational needs. Financial Impact: There is no direct financial impact associated with the introduction of this ordinance. Recommended Action: Adopt Ordinance No. 4344, "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach Amending Chapter 10.84 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code Relating to Bicycle Regulations." Alternative Action(s): Do not adopt Ordinance No. 4344 and direct staff accordingly. Analysis: Electric bicycle (e-bike) use has increased significantly throughout Huntington Beach, creating new safety and enforcement challenges not fully addressed under the City's existing Bicycle Regulations in Huntington Beach Municipal Code (HBMC) Section 10.84. To improve safety and provide consistent enforcement, staff recommend amending HBMC Section 10.84 to clarify rules related to e-bike operation. Updating the ordinance will clarify applicable rules for e-bike riders, ensure consistent enforcement, enhance public safety, and align with the city's transportation policies. City of Huntington Beach Page 1 of 2 Printed on 11/12/2025 powered by Legistarr 299 File #: 25-887 MEETING DATE: 11/18/2025 Environmental Status: This project is exempt from the California Environmental QualityAct (CEQA) pursuant to Section P 15031c under Class 1 of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential to have a significant effect on the environment. Strategic Plan Goal: Goal 8 - Public Safety, Strategy A - Community-wide comprehensive risk reduction program to optimize public safety's emergency response and reduce the number of calls. For details, visit www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/strategicplan. Attachment(s): 1. Ordinance No. 4344 2. HBMC 10.84 - Bicycle Regulations City of Huntington Beach Page 2 of 2 Printed on 11/12/2025 powered by LegistarT"" 300 ORDINANCE NO. 4344 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH AMENDING CHAPTER 10.84 OF THE HUNTINGTON BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO BICYCLE REGULATIONS The City Council of the City of Huntington Beach does hereby ordain as follows: SECTION 1. That Section 10.84.140 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code, is hereby amended to read as follows: 10.84.140 Riding a Bicycle or Similar Conveyance in an Unsafe Manner No person shall ride a conventional bicycle, electric bicycle, moped, motor-driven cycle, electric motorcycle, pocket bike, or any other electric conveyance not previously named in an unsafe manner on a public roadway, highway, sidewalk, park, or private property open to the public. A. Unsafe manner means a rider violating any existing Huntington Beach Municipal Code, California Vehicle Code, or other existing law. An unsafe manner can also be defined as operating the conveyance in such a way as to constitute a danger to the operator, a passenger, other motorists, other riders, or pedestrians in the area. B. Examples of riding in an unsafe manner may include, but are not limited to, the following actions: 1. Riding on a sidewalk without due caution for pedestrians. 2. Riding on a sidewalk, highway,bicycle path, or bicycle lane against the flow of traffic. 3. Not yielding to vehicles or pedestrians when required to by the California Vehicle Code. 4. Intentionally swerving or riding around stopped or slowed traffic. 5. Operating in a manner not designed for, including carrying passengers when not designed for carrying passengers. 6. Not obeying posted signs. 7. A person under the age of 18 riding without a properly fitted and fastened helmet. 8. Intentionally lifting one or more wheels into the air while riding on a highway, sidewalk,bicycle lane, or bicycle path. 9. Riding on a bicycle path, bicycle lane, or sidewalk at a speed greater than 25 mph or any speed greater than is reasonable or prudent under the conditions then existing, or at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property. ORDINANCE NO. 4344 SECTION 2. That Section 10.84.160 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code is hereby added to read as follows: 10.84.160 Riding on Sidewalk and in Crosswalk A. No person shall operate a bicycle or electric bicycle: 1. On any sidewalk within Downtown Huntington Beach (District 1, 2, and 3 of the Huntington Beach Downtown Specific Plan), unless explicitly allowed by signage. 2. On any pedestrian overcrossing. 3. On any sidewalk, crosswalk, event area, or other area open to the public for pedestrian travel where signage expressly prohibits such use. 4. Upon a sidewalk within any business district, or upon the sidewalk adjacent to any public school building, church, recreation center, playground or over any pedestrian overcrossing, or within any crosswalk. B. Where sidewalk or crosswalk riding is permitted, operators shall: 1. Yield the right-of-way to pedestrian and exercise due care to avoid collisions. 2. Provide a clear audible sign (e.g. bell, horn, verbal announcement) before overtaking and passing others. 3. Travel at a speed not exceeding ten (10) miles per hour, reducing to five (5) miles per hour when overtaking others or when close enough to create a hazard. C. This section shall not apply to: 1. Wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or other assistive mobility devices used by persons with disabilities, consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and state law. 2. Law enforcement, emergency, or public works personnel acting within the course and scope of their official duties. SECTION 3. This ordinance shall become effective 30 days after its adoption. 392852/25-17265 2 ORDINANCE NO. 4344 PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach at a regular meeting thereof held on the 18th day of November , 2025. ATT S P4i, .. Mayor City C erk APPROVED AS TO FORM: REVIEWED AND APPROVED: --------� City Attorn City Manager !� INITIATED AND APPROVED: Police Chief 392852/25-17265 3 Ord. No. 4344 STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF ORANGE ) ss: CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH ) I, LISA LANE BARNES,the duly elected, qualified City Clerk of the City of Huntington Beach, and ex-officio Clerk of the City Council of said City, do hereby certify that the whole number of members of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach is seven; that the foregoing ordinance was read to said City Council at a Regular meeting thereof held on November 4,2025, and was again read to said City Council at a Regular meeting thereof held on November 18,2025, and was passed and adopted by the affirmative vote of at least a majority of all the members of said City Council. AYES: Twining, Kennedy, McKeon, Burns,Van Der Mark, Gruel, Williams NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None I,Lisa Lane Barnes,CITY CLERK of the City of Huntington Beach and ex-officio Clerk of the City Council,do hereby certify that a synopsis of this ordinance has been published in the Huntington Beach Wave on November 27,2025. - - In accordance with the City Charter of said City. Lisa Lane Barnes, City Clerk City Clerk and ex-officio Clerk Senior Deputy City Clerk of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach, California LEGISLATIVE DRAFT HBMC 10.84 Chapter 10.84 BICYCLE REGULATIONS B1(1.84.140 Riding a Bicycle or Similar Conveyance in an Unsafe Manner No person shall ride a conventional bicycle, electric bicycle, moped,motor-driven cycle, electric motorcycle,pocket bike, or any other electric conveyance not previously named in an unsafe manner on a public roadway, highway, sidewalk,park, or private property open to the public. A. Unsafe manner means a rider violating any existing Huntington Beach Municipal Code, California Vehicle Code, or other existing law. An unsafe manner can also be defined as operating the conveyance in such a way as to constitute a danger to the operator, a passenger, other motorists, other riders, or pedestrians in the area. B. Examples of riding in an unsafe manner may include,but are not limited to,the following actions: 1. Riding on a sidewalk without due caution for pedestrians. 2. Riding on a sidewalk,highway,bicycle path, or bicycle lane against the flow of traffic. 3. Not yielding to vehicles or pedestrians when required to by the California Vehicle Code. 4. Intentionally swerving or riding around stopped or slowed traffic. 5. Operating a conveyance in a manner it was not designed for, including carrying passengers when not designed for carrying passengers. 6. Not obeying posted signs. 7. A person under the age of 18 riding without a properly fitted and fastened helmet. 8. Intentionally lifting one or more wheels into the air while riding on a highway, sidewalk,bicycle lane, or bicycle path. 9. Riding on a bicycle path, bicycle lane, or sidewalk at a speed greater than 25 mph or any speed greater than is reasonable or prudent under the conditions then existing, or at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property. 10.84.160 Riding on Sidewalk and in Crosswalk A. No person shall ride a operate a bicycle or electric bicycle: 1. On any sidewalk within Downtown Huntington Beach (District 1, 2 and 3 of the Huntington Beach Downtown Specific Plan), unless ex*licitly allowed b signage. 2. On any pedestrian overcrossing. 3. On an sidewalk crosswalk, event area, or other area open to the public for pedestrian travel where signage expressly prohibits such use. B. Where sidewalk or crosswalk riding is permitted, operators shall: 1. Yield the right-of-way to pedestrian and exercise due care to avoid collisions. 2. Provide a clear audible sign(e.g.bell,horn,verbal announcement)before overtaking and passing others. 3. Travel at a speed not exceeding ten (10) miles per hour, reducing to five (5) miles per hour when overtaking others or when close enough to create a hazard. 4. Upon a sidewalk within any business district, or upon the sidewalk adiacent to an public school building, church, recreation center, playground or over any pedestrian overcrossing, or within any crosswalk. C. This section shall not apply to: 1. Wheelchairs,mobility scooters, or other assistive mobility devices used by persons with disabilities, consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and state law. 2. Law enforcement, emergency, or public works personnel acting within the course and scope of their official duties. 10.84.170 Reserved. Whene�=verso ; ridin. ., �.:,.ycle upon-a sidewalk, s ,c r shal . el the ght„f A person riding a bicycle off a sidewalk and onto a roadway shall yield to all traffic on the roadway. Mr. Amory Hanson 8102 Ellis Avenue Apartment 121 Huntington Beach CA 92646 November 4, 2025 The Mayor Of Huntington Beach 2000 Main Street Huntington Beach CA 92648 My Dear Mister Mayor, I would like to express my support for Item XVII,Councilwoman Vandermark's ordinance to regulate bicycle usage on sidewalks Sincerely Yours, Mr.Amory Hanson CC:The Honorable Casey McKeon CC:The Honorable Andrew Gruel CC:The Honorable Donald C.Kennedy CC:The Honorable E.M.Twining CC:The Honorable Grace Vandermark CC:The Honorable Chad Williams SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: 11, 8/25 Agenda Item No. 17 (25-887) r F '> a�NTfN '� 2000 Main Street, of " 'GTp•4;\ Huntington Beach,CA t 92648 City of Huntington Beach APPROVED FOR INTRODUCTION 9 A, 7-0 ':00(1NTN t "di File#: 25-858 MEETING DATE: 11/4/2025 REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members SUBMITTED BY: Travis Hopkins, City Manager VIA: Eric Parra, Chief of Police PREPARED BY: Thoby Archer, Lieutenant and Kimberly Rodriguez, Management Analyst Subject: Approve for Introduction Ordinance No. 4344 Amending Huntington Beach Municipal Code Section 10.84 - Bicycle Regulations. Statement of Issue: Staff recommend amending Huntington Beach Municipal Code Section 10.84 - Bicycle Regulations to clarify and expand rules for electric bicycles (e-bikes). The proposed changes improve safety, support consistent enforcement, and provide clarity on applicable rules, addressing community concerns while meeting operational needs. Financial Impact: There is no direct financial impact associated with the introduction of this ordinance. Recommended Action: Approve for introduction Ordinance No. 4344, "An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach Amending Chapter 10.84 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code Relating to Bicycle Regulations." Alternative Action(s): Do not introduce Ordinance No. 4344 and direct staff accordingly. Analysis: Electric bicycle (e-bike) use has increased significantly throughout Huntington Beach, creating new safety and enforcement challenges not fully addressed under the City's existing Bicycle Regulations in Huntington Beach Municipal Code (HBMC) Section 10.84. To improve safety and provide consistent enforcement, staff recommend amending HBMC Section 10.84 to clarify rules related to e-bike operation. Updating the ordinance will clarify applicable rules for e-bike riders, ensure consistent enforcement, enhance public safety, and align with the city's City of Huntington Beach Page 1 of 2 Printed on 10/29/2025 powered by Leg istarTM 187 File#: 25-858 MEETING DATE: 11/4/2025 transportation policies. Environmental Status: This project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15031c under Class 1 of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential to have a significant effect on th Strategic Plan Goal: Goal 8 - Public Safety, StrategyA- Community-wide comprehensive risk reduction program to Y p p 9 optimize public safety's emergency response and reduce the number of calls. For details, visit www.huntingtonbeachca.gov/strategicplan. Attachment(s): 1. Ordinance No. 4344 2. HBMC 10.84 - Bicycle Regulations City of Huntington Beach Page 2 of 2 Printed on 10/29/2025 powered by Legistarle 188 ORDINANCE NO. 4344 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF HUNTINGTON BEACH AMENDING CHAPTER 10.84 OF THE HUNTINGTON I3EACH MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO BICYCLE REGULATIONS The City Council of the City of Huntington Beach does hereby ordain as follows: SECTION 1. That Section 10.84.005 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code, is hereby amended to read as follows: 10.84.140 Riding a Bicycle or Similar Conveyance in an Unsafe Manner No person shall ride a conventional bicycle, electric bicycle, moped, motor-driven cycle, electric motorcycle,pocket bike, or any other electric conveyance not previously named in an unsafe manner on a public roadway, highway, sidewalk,park, or private property open to the public. A. Unsafe manner means a rider violating any existing Huntington Beach Municipal Code, California Vehicle Code, or other existing law. An unsafe manner can also be defined as operating the conveyance in such a way as to constitute a danger to the operator,a passenger, other motorists,other riders, or pedestrians in the area. B. Examples of riding in an unsafe manner may include, but are not limited to, the following actions: 1. Riding on a sidewalk without due caution for pedestrians. 2. Riding on a sidewalk,highway, bicycle path, or bicycle lane against the flow of traffic. 3. Not yielding to vehicles or pedestrians when required to by the California Vehicle Code. 4. Intentionally swerving or riding around stopped or slowed traffic. 5. Operating in a manner not designed for, including carrying passengers when not designed for carrying passengers. 6. Not obeying posted signs. 7. A person under the age of 18 riding without a properly fitted and fastened helmet. 8. Intentionally lifting one or more wheels into the air while riding on a highway, sidewalk,bicycle lane, or bicycle path. 9. Riding on a bicycle path, bicycle lane, or sidewalk at a speed greater than 25 mph or any speed greater than is reasonable or prudent under the conditions then existing, or at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property. 189 ORDINANCE NO. 4344 SECTION 2. That Section 10.84.160 of the Huntington Beach Municipal Code is hereby added to read as follows: 10.84.160 Riding on Sidewalk and in Crosswalk A. No person shall operate a bicycle or electric bicycle: 1. On any sidewalk within Downtown Huntington Beach(District 1, 2, and 3 of the Huntington Beach Downtown Specific Plan), unless explicitly allowed by signage. 2. On any pedestrian overcrossing. 3. On any sidewalk, crosswalk, event area, or other area open to the public for pedestrian travel where signage expressly prohibits such use. B. Where sidewalk or crosswalk riding is permitted, operators shall: 1. Yield the right-of-way to pedestrian and exercise due care to avoid collisions. 2. Provide a clear audible sign (e.g. bell, horn, verbal announcement) before overtaking and passing others. 3. Travel at a speed not exceeding ten (10) miles per hour, reducing to five (5) miles per hour when overtaking others or when close enough to create a hazard. C. This section shall not apply to: 1. Wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or other assistive mobility devices used by persons with disabilities, consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and state law. 2. Law enforcement, emergency, or public works personnel acting within the course and scope of their official duties. D. Upon a sidewalk within any business district, or upon the sidewalk adjacent to any public school building, church, recreation center, playground or over any pedestrian overcrossing, or within any crosswalk. SECTION 3. This ordinance shall become effective 30 days after its adoption. 392852/25-17265 2 190 1 I ORDINANCE NO. 4344 i I PASSED AND,ADOPTED bythe City Coup Oil of the civ pfHpriting4m Beach at a. regular meeting thereof held on the day of ,2025. I A 171 EST: wybi City Clerk. if APPROVED AS'TO FORM'. 4' REVIEWED AND APPROVED: , ,- 6\-KIL V CAkr' 4 City AttOrn:4titT-t- Qity Manager INITIATED AND APPROVED: V....., ' ........---- C-.... •4....' : IPOli6e Chief i ) , # 'i i i 1 1 392g52125-17265 3 , 191 LEGISLATIVE DRAFT HBMC 10.84 Chapter 10.84 BICYCLE REGULATIONS A10.84.140 Riding a Bicycle or Similar Conveyance in an Unsafe Manner No person shall ride.a conventional bicycle,electric bicycle,moped,motor-chiven cycle,electric motorcycle,pocket bike,or any other electric conveyance not previously named in an unsafe manner on a public roadway,highway,sidewalk park;or private property open to the public. A. Unsafe manner means a rider Violating any existing Huntington Beach Municipal Code, California Vehicle Code, or other existing law. An unsafe manner can also be defined as operating the conveyance in such a way as to constitute a danger to the opdrator, passenger, other motorists,other riders,Or pedestrians in the axea. B. Examples of tiding in an unsafe manner may include,but are not limited to,the:following actions: L. Riding on a sidewalk without due caution for pedestrians. 2. Riding on a sidewalk,highway,bicycle path,or bicycle lane against the,flow of traffic. 3. Not yielding to vehicles otpedestrians when required to by the California Vehicle Code. 4. ;Intentionally swerving or riding around stopped or slowed traffic. 5. Operating a conveyance in a manner it was not designed for,ineludingearrying passengers when not designed for carrying passengers. 6. Not obeying posted signs. 7. A person under the age of 18‘riding Without a properly fitted and fastened helmet. 8. Intentionally lifting one or more wheels into the air while riding on a highway, sidewalk,bicycle lane,ot bicydle path. 9. Riding on a bicycle path,bicycle lane,or sidewalk at a speed greater than 25 mph or any speed greater than is reasonable or prudent under the conditions then existing,or at a speed which endangers the:safety ofperscns Or property. 10,84.16Q Riding on Sidewalk and in Crosswalk A. No person shall fide a operate a bicycle or electric bicycle: 1. On any sidewalk within Downtown Huntington Beach(District 1,2, and 3 of the Huntington Beach Downtown Specific Plan), unless explicitly allowed by signage. 2. On any pedestrian overcrossing. 3. On any sidewalk, crosswalk, event area, or other area open to the public for pedestrian travel where signage expresslyprohibits such use. 192 B. Where sidewalk or crosswalk riding is permitted,operators shall: 1. Yield the right-of-way to pedestrian and exercise due care to avoid collisions. 2. Provide a clear audible sign(e bell horn,verbal announcement)before overtaking and passing others. 3. Travel at a speed not exceeding ten (10) miles per hour, reducing to five (� miles per hour when overtaking others or when close enough to create a hazard. • C.. This section shall not apply to: 1. Wheelchairs,mobility scooters,or other assistive mobility devices used by persons with disabilities,consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and state law. 2. Law enforcemen erg y t, em p enc orpublic works personnel acting within the course and scope of their official duties. D. Upon a sidewalk within any business district,or upon the sidewalk adjacent to an •ublic school building,church,recreation center,playground or over any pedestrian overcrossing, or within any crosswalk. 10.84.170 Reserved. b 7 . readway. 193 Mr. Amory Hanson 8102 Ellis Avenue Apartment 121 Huntington Beach CA 92646 November 4, 2025 The Mayor Of Huntington Beach 2000 Main Street Huntington Beach CA 92648 My Dear Mister Mayor, I would like to express my support for Item XI,Councilwoman Vandermark's ordinance to regulate bicycle usage on sidewalks Sincerely Yours, Mr.Amory Hanson CC:The Honorable Casey McKeon CC:The Honorable Andrew Gruel CC:The Honorable Donald C.Kennedy CC:The Honorable E.M.Twining CC:The Honorable Grace Vandermark CC:The Honorable Chad Williams SUPPLEMENTAL COMMUNICATION Meeting Date: 11-4-2025 Agenda Item No. 11 (25-858)