To enhance enforcement capabilities, public educational programs and reduce reported collisions, the City of Encinitas’ City Council ratified a declaration of a local state of emergency for bicycle, e-bicycle and motorized mobility device safety on June 28, 2023. This local state of emergency is in response to the growing number of reported bicycle collisions.
“The health and safety of our residents is always the city’s number one concern,” stated Mayor Tony Kranz. “With this local emergency declaration, we are redoubling our efforts to lower the number of reported bicycle collisions while we continue to educate the public on proper bicycling safety protocols and safe driving habits.”
The number of collisions involving bicycles or e-bicycles have almost tripled since 2020, as noted in the proclamation, and eleven collisions have already been reported in 2023. Bicycle collisions are highest during the summer months between June and September. The City is ready to enact new policies and enforcement measures to help reduce collisions in advance of our busy summer and tourism season.
The City is coordinating with the Sheriff’s North Coastal Station Traffic Division to increase enforcement during the local emergency and sheriff’s deputies will have the ability to wave first-time violator’s penalties if they agree to take an approved bike safety course starting July 28, 2023.
The proclamation notes the faster and heavier nature of e-bikes, as a factor that impacts the severity of e-bike collisions that tend to lead to more severe injuries and subsequent hospitalization rates when compared to regular bikes.
“By declaring a local emergency, the city plans to create more awareness around the issue,” said Mayor Kranz. “The city has created a public education campaign which includes coordinating with school districts and private schools to relay traffic safety messages and implementing electronic messaging boards at high collision and traffic areas, reminding motorists and bicyclists the importance of roadway safety.”
The local emergency will be terminated September 30, 2023, unless otherwise extended.
The City’s new amended bike ordinance was also adopted at the regular City Council meeting on June 28, 2023, and will take effect on July 28, 2023. The updated ordinance makes it illegal for a person to ride on a bicycle in any manner not designed for passenger riding and sheriff’s deputies will have the ability to waive a penalty for first-time violators if they complete an approved bike safety course.
For more information on bike safety click here.
