An informal social media survey found many individuals want more enforcement of e-bike laws in Avalon.
The Islander recently asked a question on social media: “On the record, for possible publication in the print edition of the Islander, what should the city of Avalon do about e-bikes?”
The survey received 25 comments. Irrelevant comments have been removed. The quotations below were lightly edited for punctuation and spelling.
Melinda A. Clare wrote: “Ban them just like the motorized scooters.” (In an email, Avalon City Attorney Scott Campbell wrote: “The vehicle code of California allows Avalon to regulate the type of vehicles allowed on Avalon due to its uniqueness. This includes potential banning e-bikes.”
Jess Parks wrote: “How about just enforce the existing laws.”
Jess Parks wrote: “Hold people accountable for breaking these laws!!!”
Helen Carroll Handy wrote: “There are way more responsible people with e-bikes than out of control kids. Why punish everyone for the sake of a few! I agree with another poster to enforce the laws we now have.”
Loralee Price Sulick wrote: “Yes enforce laws do not punish responsible people.”
Dwayne Morris wrote: “License registration and insurance like any other motor vehicle.”
Laurie Hernandez wrote: “Nobody without a drivers license should be driving anything with motor.”
Daniel Reitinger wrote: “Laurie Hernandez okay then all the boats shouldn’t come here.”
Mallory Chanel Saldaña wrote: “Daniel Reitinger maritime law is separate from the law of the land.”
Diane Stockinger Bond, replying to Laurie Hernandez wrote: “Right!”
Mallory Chanel Saldaña wrote: “Anyone underage should have a license, but ultimately it’s the responsibility of the parent/guardian, to allow their children to even have one or not. If they know their kid doesn’t have the proper protection or license, they shouldn’t let them have or ride one.”
Gary Johnson wrote: “Could we volunteer to work an intersection and photograph or be like a crossing guard, point being how do we help law enforcement who are way outnumbered.”
Susanna Gutierrez wrote: “Pedestrian safety improvements and traffic calming measures on Falls Canyon.”
Susanna Gutierrez wrote: “Currently going through the 2030 General Plan/Local Coastal Plan and the General Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR). For specific Safety, Circulation, and Land Use Element goals/policies/programs.”
(Editor’s note: She posted links to each of the documents, including the page counts.)
Roberta Black wrote: “Enforce the laws and keep them off of the sidewalks.”
Nick Morrow wrote: “There are plenty of laws in the vehicle code that can be enforced. It doesn’t all end with a ticket. The Sheriff’s Dept. is taking steps to hold people accountable. The District Attorney and Court need to get on board to help enforce the law and punish bad actors. Any ban of e-bikes punishes those who obey the law. There are few requirements on these machines. No registration, no licensing, no insurance. There are age requirements that are clearly being ignored. There is still civil liability for any damage or injury caused by the negligent operation. Parents, please consider carefully before buying or allowing an underage kid to have access to these e bikes. My two cents. Food for thought.”
Riley Lopez, replying to Nick Morrow wrote: “The sheriffs need to enforce the law by giving citations. The District Attorney and the court follow the law (fines, points on driver’s license jail time etc.).:
Nick Morrow, replying to Riley Lopez wrote: “Many of the cites are being dismissed with no consequences for the offense. It takes everyone involved to address this issue.”
Matt Saldana wrote: “BTW, the abuse is happening in Temecula, near where I live. Speeding, no helmets, with little regard for safety for some (not all).”
Cindi Alvitre, replying to Matt Saldana wrote: “And here in Huntington Beach. One kid just about lost his, life right in front of my house because he was being arrogant and careless. If it weren’t for the driver paying attention, this kid would not be here. I don’t think the parents ever found out!”
Annmarie Reyes wrote: “If it can go 25 mph then must be 16yrs old and have a license, electric and gas. Chk what the DMV requires.”
