Orange County Grand Jury
• 2023-2024
• Agency Response
Response to:
E-Bikes Friend or Foe
The Honorable Maria D. Hernandez Presiding Judge of the Orange County Superior Court 700 Civic Center Drive West
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 3 findings
F1
Page 1
The majority of Orange County’s 34 cities do not have ordinances or policies in place, which makes it difficult to address the safe operation and regulation of E-bikes leading to confusion. Response: The City of Cypress is not aware of policies in other cities. SUPPLEMENTAL Response: The City of Cypress agrees with this finding and would support consistent E-bike regulation legislation.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
Page 2
Each Orange County city should have specific policies that define the rules of the road for use of E-bikes in their communities by December 1, 2024. Response: The recommendation will not be implemented because Cypress’ experience with E-bikes does not warrant it. The City of Cypress supports consistent, state-wide regulation, reporting and training for E-bikes.
F2
Page 1
Due to the increasing incidences of E-bike injuries and deaths, there is a need for consistent and accurate tracking by law enforcement and first responders, which does not exist now. Response: The City of Cypress’ experience with E-bikes does not support the Grand Jury’s finding. SUPPLEMENTAL Response: The City of Cypress agrees with this finding and would support legislation that creates a consistent framework for law enforcement and first responders to track E-bike injuries and deaths if the state provides funding for the additional burdens placed on local agencies.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
Page 2
Each Orange County city should have a mechanism in place to report accidents, injuries and deaths involving E-bikes by December 1, 2024. Response: The recommendation will not be implemented because Cypress’ experience with E-bikes does not warrant it. The City of Cypress supports consistent, state-wide regulation, reporting and training for E-bikes.
F3
Page 1
Training and education on E-bike use and safety varies from city to city causing confusion amongst bike riders. Response: The City of Cypress is not aware of policies in other cities, but supports consistent, state-wide regulation, reporting and training for E-bikes.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
Page 2
Each Orange County city should research and develop outreach and education programs regarding the safe operation of E-bikes for their residents by December 1, 2024. Response: The recommendation will not be implemented because Cypress’ experience with E-bikes does not warrant it. The City of Cypress supports consistent, state-wide regulation, reporting and training for E-bikes. The City of Cypress would like to thank the Grand Jury for addressing this issue critical to our communities. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Best Regards, Peter Grant City Manager