E-bike Use in Memorial Park

The Town has received numerous complaints from community members using Memorial Park for recreational activities who have felt unsafe and witnessed reckless behavior by large groups of teenagers and pre-teenagers on electric bikes (e-bikes). The youth have reportedly been racing through crowds of people at high speeds. Last weekend was opening day for baseball and softball, with multiple games and a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the newly refurbished athletic fields.  The festivities were marred by a senior citizen being knocked over by an e-bike rider and many other people feeling concerned for their safety because of the unruly use of e-bikes in the park.

Due to this alarming uptick in risky and aggressive behavior by e-bike riders in Memorial Park resulting in safety issues and concerns, the Town has increased enforcement at the park. E-bikes are prohibited from being operated in Town parks. The Town had previously focused on deterring e-bike riders from riding on the newly refurbished playing fields, but due to the recent safety issues related to reckless e-bike use throughout Memorial Park, additional resources will be used on enforcement. 

Increased Enforcement
Memorial Park rules and regulations state that “No motorized vehicles are allowed” in the park. Failure to comply with this rule shall constitute an infraction, except that the fourth and any additional violations within one year shall constitute a misdemeanor. (SAMC § 11-1.02). An infraction may result in issuance of an Administrative Citation which carries fines beginning at $100 and increasing to $500 per violation as described in Town Resolution No. 4271. (SAMC § 1-6.01).  Enforcement officers will contact a minor’s parent or guardian, who will ultimately be held responsible for the violation. 

E-bike riders may walk their bikes through Memorial Park on the paths.  Non-motorized bicycles are allowed on the paths at a safe speed.  No bikes are allowed on the grass fields at any time.

The safety and welfare of our entire community is of utmost importance in all Town community public spaces.

The Town will host a Community Forum to address these and other issues related to youth at Memorial Park. This forum will take place on Saturday, April 22 at 11:00AM in the Vista Room at the Isabel Cook Community Center at 1000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.

For more information about increased enforcement, please visit the Electric Bicycles (E-bikes) and Electric Scooters (E-scooters) Road Rules and Laws page on the Town website: HERE

Questions – please contact the Town's Community Engagement Coordinator at kwarner@townofsananselmo.org.