Town Manager's Newsletter

Special Edition

March 24, 2023

David P. Donery, Town Manager

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^nd at 11:00AM in the Vista Room at the Isabel Cook Community Center at 1000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.

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

Central Marin Police Authority:

Laws Regarding E-Bikes

The Central Marin Police Authority and the Town of San Anselmo would like to remind our community of laws regarding the use of E-Bikes:

Electric Bike Definition: An electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. Per Assembly Bill #: 1096, manufacturers or distributors of E-bikes must affix a label to each bicycle that describes its classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage. E-bikes do not need to be registered, insured or taxed and no license is required for the rider (CVC §24616).

Three (3) classes of electric bicycles have been established:
1. Class 1: A low speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a motor which provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when a speed of 20 mph is reached. Class 1 e-bikes are allowed wherever bikes are allowed, unless otherwise posted (bike paths, bike lanes, bike routes). Same rules apply to e-bike riders as bike riders while on the roadway. Ages 17 and under must wear a helmet.
2. Class 2: A low speed throttle-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a motor used exclusively to propel the bicycle and NOT capable of providing assistance when a speed of 20 mph is reached. Class 2 e-bikes are also allowed wherever bikes are allowed, unless otherwise posted. Ages 17 and under must wear a helmet.
3. Class 3: A low speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle equipped with a speedometer, and a motor which provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when a speed of 28 mph is reached. All riders must wear a helmet while riding a Class 3 e-bike, regardless of age.
In Marin County, e-bikes cannot exceed 15 mph on any County-maintained pathway. E-Bicycles will boost up to 20 MPH, but riders cannot exceed 15 mph.
You CANNOT ride a Class 3 e-bike on a bike path and must ride the e-bike in a bike lane or bike route.
It is up to each specific County to impose their own law about sidewalks. As of 2022, there are no statutes that authorize or prohibit riding e-bikes or bicycles on “sidewalks”, however Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed on multi-use paths and bike lanes where bicycles are also permitted, which could be interpreted to include sidewalks.
Marin County Ordinances for e-bikes:
1. Marin’s updated ordinance allows Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on public roads and parking lots within Marin County Parks facilities, and on County paved bicycle and multi-use pathways.
2. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are also allowed in other areas when specifically signed to permit them.
3. Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited within Parks facilities except upon public roadways and parking lots or when specifically signed to permit them.
San Anselmo Municipal Codes for bikes and e-bikes:
1. San Anselmo Muni Code (MC) section 3-5.304 states that the rider of a bicycle must follow all the same rules of the road as the driver of a vehicle.
2. Section 3-5.803 of the Muni Code prohibits vehicles being driven on sidewalks; therefore, bicycles and e-bikes are prohibited from riding on sidewalks.