Officers spread awareness about e-bike laws and issued citations to enhance safety.
On May 21, the Danville Police Department joined agencies from across the Tri-Valley in Electric Bike Enforcement Day, focused on e-bike regulations, educating riders, and reinforcing the importance of safe riding. During the course of the day, officers conducted 19 stops, and contacted 4 parents regarding underage e-bike violations.
Citations and warnings were given to riders of bicycles, e-bikes and e-scooters for running stop signs and red lights, riding on sidewalks, and wearing earbuds. Parents were contacted in cases of underage use of e-bikes or e-scooters. The California Vehicle Code requires electric bikes and scooters to follow the same rules of the road as regular bicycles. Additionally, Town ordinance states no electric bikes are allowed on sidewalks in any Danville business district.
“We appreciated the opportunity to inform riders who may not have been aware of local and state laws, and to speak with parents about keeping their kids safe,” said Danville Police Chief Thomas Rossberg. “With two reported incidents just this week of minor injuries to pedestrians by e-bikes on sidewalks Downtown, this was a timely effort and hopefully will help prevent more serious conflicts.”
The coordinated effort focused on three key messages to encourage responsible riding, prevent accidents, and create safer streets for everyone:
- Follow the Rules – Know and obey e-bike laws to keep yourself and others safe.
- Ride Responsibly – Speeding, unsafe maneuvers, and neglecting traffic laws put everyone at risk.
- Be Aware – Pedestrians, vehicles, and other cyclists share the road—stay alert and ride defensively.
For more information about e-bikes and scooters, visit www.danville.ca.gov/ebikes.