Micromobility, Equity, and Vision Zero: What Chula Vista’s E-Bike Ordinance Is Missing
Our Advocacy Manager, Ian Hembree, recently spoke at the Chula Vista City Council to address concerns with the proposed e-bike ordinance. In his remarks, Ian called for a more comprehensive, equitable, and data-driven approach. One that doesn’t just penalize riders but actively improves safety through infrastructure and community engagement. Read his comments below:
Good evening, City Council, my name is Ian Hembree, and I am the Advocacy and Community Manager with the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition. I want to begin by thanking the council for their efforts and leadership to ensure the safety of all road users in the City. Chula Vista has adopted Vision Zero, and well-designed safety ordinances are a part of that strategy. However, we believe that the ordinance, as it is currently proposed, needs some adjustments before being enacted.
We understand the desire to regulate e-bikes in the City. E-bikes are vehicles, and should be treated as such by users. Those who ride irresponsibly or engage in behaviors that endanger themselves and others are needlessly putting life and limb at risk. We know this is a problem. However, we have serious questions about the implementation of AB2234 and the ordinance broadly, which should be addressed. For example:
How will an ordinance be enforced with equity in mind?
What is the strategy for ascertaining the age of minors riding e-bikes?
How were the penalties for violations of the ordinance chosen? Fines up to $250 can weigh more heavily on lower-income individuals, who are more likely to rely on micromobility devices as their primary means of transportation.
We believe a better, more comprehensive, and fair ordinance can be created by engaging with stakeholders to go over the details and ensure all intended and unintended consequences are considered. This could be achieved through the existing Chula Vista BikeWalk group and other groups.
In addition, it would be beneficial to see a report and presentation about the City's other efforts to meet Vision Zero goals. Regulation ordinances are a part of Vision Zero, but they can’t be the only strategy or the primary strategy.
For instance, it is often lamented that users of electric mobility devices use sidewalks along roadways instead of the roadways themselves. This is because those users select the facility that provides the greatest sense of security. A large number of people riding on the sidewalk reflects a desire for more, better micromobility infrastructure, including separated bikeways and traffic calming that reduces speeds. It reflects a passion for safer streets. That is your responsibility.
Thank you for your time.
