The Marin County Board of Supervisors will be convening to debate a proposal that could mean significant changes for young e-bike enthusiasts. A draft ordinance that would bar riders under 16 from operating throttle-powered Class 2 e-bikes in unincorporated areas of Marin County has landed on their desks. According to data from Marin 911, children aged 10 to 15 are involved in e-bike accidents at a rate five times higher than any other age group, a distressing statistic that has caught the attention of lawmakers and concerned citizens alike.
This ordinance also stresses the need for helmet usage across the board for all e-bike riders, a preventative safety measure to protect against head injuries in collisions. As discussed in a release from Marin County, the Supervisors will consider the draft at a meeting scheduled for next Tuesday. Should it garner the Board's support, residents could see this new regulation added to the May 20 consent calendar, with the law potentially taking effect on July 1.
Last year's introduction of Assembly Bill 1778 by Marin's Assembly representative Damon Connolly has provided the legal footing necessary for such ordinances. Connolly highlighted the troubling accident rates among Marin's youths, telling Marin County, "This bill has shown what is possible when state and local policymakers work together directly in partnership with community members to prioritize the safety of our young people."
Marin County's focus on e-bike safety comes amidst a 110% rise in bike-related 911 calls for school-aged children from 2019 to 2022. In response, Marin County Public Health took action last fall to begin tracking e-bike injuries more closely, their findings reinforcing the need for this ordinance. Supervisor Mary Sackett, a vocal advocate for stricter e-bike safety protocols, emphasized, as per Marin County, "Until now, we could only strongly recommend that middle and elementary schoolers avoid them — now, we're setting a clear, enforceable standard."
Concurrent with the legislative efforts, a public education campaign is set to roll out in May.
