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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03 - Repealing and Replacing Chapter 12.56 (Bicycles - Registration and Regulations) of the NBMCQ �EwPpRT CITY OF s NEWPORT BEACH `q44:09 City Council Staff Report November 18, 2025 Agenda Item No. 3 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: David A. Webb, Public Works Director - 949-644-3311, dawebb@newportbeachca.gov PREPARED BY: Kevin Riley, Acting City Traffic Engineer - 949-644-3329, kriley@newportbeachca.gov TITLE: Ordinance No. 2025-35: Repealing and Replacing Chapter 12.56 (Bicycles — Registration and Regulations) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code ABSTRACT: At the November 4, 2025, City Council meeting, the City Council introduced Ordinance No. 2025-35, Repealing and Replacing Chapter 12.56 (Bicycles — Registration and Regulations) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code (NBMC), and passed it to a second reading. The ordinance updates the NBMC to heighten and enhance bicycle safety in the public right-of-way. For the City Council's consideration is the adoption of the attached ordinance. RECOMMENDATIONS: a) Determine this action is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) and 15060(c)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines because this action will not result in a physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly; and b) Conduct a second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 2025-35, An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach, California, Repealing and Replacing Chapter 12.56 (Bicycles — Registration and Regulations) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code. DISCUSSION: An informal Bicycle Safety Working Group comprised of Mayor Stapleton, Councilmember Weigand, Councilmember Barto and City staff recently undertook review and discussion of bicycling issues in the City. The major issues discussed include the increase in the use of electric bicycles (with new models continuing to evolve), ways to enhance bicycle and electric bicycle safety and coordinating education efforts with schools operating within Newport Beach. The working group collaborated over several meetings to develop proposed ordinance changes to Chapter 12.56 (Bicycles - Registration and Regulations) of the NBMC, and a proposed update to the Sidewalk 3-1 Ordinance No. 2025-35: Repealing and Replacing Chapter 12.56 (Bicycles — Registration and Regulations) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code November 18, 2025 Page 2 Cycling Allowed Map which will add additional street corridors where sidewalk cycling is allowed. Proaosed Ordinance Chanaes to NBMC 12.56 Chapter 12.56 of the NBMC provides registration and general regulations on cycling within Newport Beach. Chapter 12.56 was adopted in 1972 with the most recent amendments in 1997. A summary of the areas covered by Chapter 12.56 include definitions limited to bicycles, pedicabs, and surrey cycles; voluntary licensing of bicycles; limitations on cycling on sidewalks; limitations on the operation of surrey cycles and/or pedicabs; and a general obligation to obey signage. Since that time, a number of changes have occurred in the area of cycling as identified by the Orange County Grand Jury Report on E-Bikes that was presented to the City Council on August 27, 2024. In that report, the Grand Jury made a number of findings including recognition that the majority of Orange County's 34 cities do not have ordinances or policies in place regulating electric bicycles; the need for consistent and accurate tracking by law enforcement and first responders due to the increased incidents of electric bicycle injuries; and the need for streamlined training and education on electric bicycle use and safety.' The Bicycle Safety Working Group has worked to identify areas of enhancements to the NBMC Chapter 12.56 intended to capture electric bicycles within its regulations and improve safety. Specifically, the proposed ordinance would apply to electric bicycles and other motorized conveyance devices to specifically delineate behavior that is unsafe while riding, require helmets for all riders under the age of 18 years old, and provide additional penalties for violations by minors in particular. Specifically, at the discretion of the citing officer, all varieties of bicycles and electric bicycles may be impounded with release only to a responsible adult. Additionally, the penalty provisions would now provide a diversion program directed towards minors who are cited for violations of the chapter. If a bicycle safety training program is successfully completed, the citation may be dismissed. On November 4, 2025 City Council meeting, the City Council introduced Ordinance No. 2025-35 (Attachment A), which enhances bicycle safety and identifies the sidewalks cyclist are allowed to ride on. FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact related to this item. ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: Staff recommends the City Council find this action is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly. This year, the City has undertaken a number of code amendments related to bicycles and electric bicycles including Ordinance Nos. 2025-6 and 2025-29 which prohibits bicycles and electric bicycles on City beaches and at Newport Elementary School. 3-2 Ordinance No. 2025-35: Repealing and Replacing Chapter 12.56 (Bicycles — Registration and Regulations) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code November 18, 2025 Page 3 NOTICING: The agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at which the City Council considers the item). ATTACHMENT: Attachment A — Ordinance No. 2025-35 3-3 ATTACHMENT A ORDINANCE NO. 2025- 35 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH, CALIFORNIA, REPEALING AND REPLACING CHAPTER 12.56 (BICYCLES - REGISTRATION AND REGULATIONS) OF THE NEWPORT BEACH MUNICIPAL CODE WHEREAS, Section 200 of the City Charter, of the City of Newport Beach ("City"), vests the City Council with the authority to make and enforce all laws, rules and regulations with respect to municipal affairs subject only to the restrictions and limitations contained in the City Charter and the State Constitution, and the power to exercise, or act pursuant to any and all rights, powers, and privileges or procedures granted or prescribed by any law of the State of California; WHEREAS, Chapter 12.56 (Bicycles — Registration and Regulations) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code ("NBMC") regulates the use of bicycles within the city; WHEREAS, electric bicycles (with new models continuing to emerge) have become an increasingly popular mode of transportation, but are not currently addressed in Chapter 12.56 (Bicycles — Registration and Regulations); WHEREAS, the increased use of electric bicycles has contributed to a rise in accidents and injuries, creating a need to update local regulations to enhance the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to repeal Chapter 12.56 (Bicycles — Registration and Regulations) in its entirety and adopt a new Chapter 12.56 (Bicycles — And Similar Devices - Registration and Regulations), as provided herein. NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Newport Beach ordains as follows: Section 1: Chapter 12.56 (Bicycles — Registration and Regulations) of the Newport Beach Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety and replaced with the provisions set forth in Exhibit 'A," which is attached hereto and incorporated herein by this reference. Section 2: The City's Traffic Engineer is hereby directed to erect or place appropriate signs giving notice of the regulations imposed by this ordinance. 3-4 Ordinance No. 2025- Page 2 of 3 Section 3: The recitals provided in this ordinance are true and correct and are incorporated into the substantive portion of this ordinance. Section 4: If any section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity or constitutionality of the remaining portions of this ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed this ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase hereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared invalid or unconstitutional. Section 5: The City Council finds the introduction and adoption of this ordinance is not subject to the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") pursuant to Sections 15060(c)(2) (the activity will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment) and 15060(c)(3) (the activity is not a project as defined in Section 15378) of the CEQA Guidelines, California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, because it has no potential for resulting in physical change to the environment, directly or indirectly. Section 6: Except as expressly modified in this ordinance, all other sections, subsections, terms, clauses and phrases set forth in the NBMC shall remain unchanged and shall be in full force and effect. 3-5 Ordinance No. 2025- Page 3 of 3 Section 7: The Mayor shall sign and the City Clerk shall attest to the passage of this ordinance. The City Clerk shall cause the ordinance, or a summary thereof, to be published pursuant to City Charter Section 414. This ordinance shall be effective thirty (30) calendar days after its adoption. This ordinance was introduced at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Newport Beach held on the 4th day of November, 2025, and adopted on the 18th day of November, 2025, by the following vote, to -wit: AYES: NAYS: ABSENT: Joe Stapleton, Mayor ATTEST: Lena Shumway, City Clerk APPROVED AS TO FORM: CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE Aaron C. Hark, City Attorney Attachment(s): Exhibit A — Chapter 12.56 (Bicycles and Similar Devices — Registration and Regulations) 3-6 EXHIBIT A Chapter 12.56 BICYCLES AND SIMILAR DEVICES —REGISTRATION AND REGULATIONS Sections: 12.56.010 Definitions. 12.56.025 Voluntary Licensing. 12.56.030 Operating on Sidewalks. 12.56.040 Operating a Surrey Cycle or Pedicab. 12.56.050 Designation of Bicycle Lanes. 12.56.060 Safe Operation. 12.56.070 Placement of Appropriate Signs. 12.56.080 Penalties, Impoundment and Diversion. 12.56.010 Definitions. As used in this chapter, the following terms and words shall have the following meanings: "Bicycle" has the same meaning as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 231. "Bicycle lane" means a portion of a roadway that has been designated by striping, signage, or pavement markings for the preferential or exclusive use of bicycles. "Electric bicycle" has the same meaning as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 312.5. "Electrically motorized board" has the same meaning as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 313.5. "Motorized bicycle" has the same meaning as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 406. "Motorized scooter" has the same meaning as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 407.5. "Motorized wheeled conveyance" means any electric bicycle, electrically motorized board, motorized bicycle, or motorized scooter, or any similar electric or combustible motorized wheeled conveyance. "Pedicab" has the same meaning as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 467.5. 3-7 "Public plaza" means an open public area that is owned or controlled by the State, the County, the City, or other public entity that has been physically improved, which allows access to the beach, a boardwalk, or public pier, and where people can gather. "Public rights -of -way" or "public right-of-way" means a public roadway, highway, street, sidewalk, path, trail, plaza, bicycle lane, boardwalk, or alleyway that is located within the jurisdictional boundaries of the City and subject to the City's regulatory authority. "Surrey cycle" means a bicycle or electric bicycle with seating for one (1) or more persons which is which has four (4) or more wheels. 12.56.025 Voluntary Licensing. A. Any person who is a resident of the City may apply to the Police Department for a bicycle or electric bicycle license. Motorized bicycles shall be licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles and require a Driver's License to operate. B. Fees for bicycle or electric bicycle license issuance or renewal, shall be established by resolution of the City Council. Fees shall be waived for all individuals who obtain a bicycle or electric bicycle license or renewal at a City sponsored bicycle safety program. 12.56.030 Operating on Sidewalks. A. Prohibition. No person shall operate or ride a bicycle or electric bicycle upon any sidewalk except where such operation is specifically designated by resolution of the City Council or as otherwise authorized in subsection (B). B. Exceptions. The provisions of this section shall not apply to- 1 . A mobility aid used by a person to assist with a disability. 2. Tricycles which measure less than one of the following: a. Eighteen (18) inches from ground level to the neck joint, b. Twenty-four (24) inches in width measured from the outer rear wheels, c. Eighteen (18) inches in front tire diameter, or d. Twelve (12) inches in rear tire diameter. 3. Any bicycle or electric bicycle operated by a City employee or contractor when acting within the course and scope of his or her employment. 4. Sidewalks fronting residential dwelling units in residential neighborhoods, unless otherwise signed or marked. 12.56.040 Operating a Surrey Cycle or Pedicab. A. No person shall operate or ride a surrey cycle or pedicab upon any sidewalk, boardwalk or any public pier in the City. 3-8 B. Any person who operates a surrey cycle or pedicab rental service, shop or facility must inform each person who rents a surrey cycle or pedicab at the time of the rental, in writing, of the restrictions contained in this section. Each rental surrey cycle or pedicab shall be posted to clearly inform each rider of the particular areas in the City where surrey cycles and pedicabs are prohibited. C. Any person who operates a surrey cycle or pedicab rental service, shop or facility, shall affix to each rented surrey cycle or pedicab, a flag of sufficient size and color to increase visibility of the surrey cycle or pedicab. The flag, which shall be of international orange or similar color, and of sufficient size to enhance the visibility of the surrey cycle or pedicab, shall be affixed so that it reaches three (3) feet above the highest portion of the surrey cycle or pedicab. 12.56.050 Designation of Bicycle Lanes. The City Traffic Engineer is authorized to designate bicycle lanes on streets and shall mark and sign them in conformance with California Vehicle Code Section 21400. 12.56.060 Safe Operation. A. No person shall operate or ride a motorized wheeled conveyance upon any public right-of-way, or within any public park in a manner that is unsafe or that creates an unreasonable risk of injury to any person or damage to any property. B. Examples of operating or riding in an unsafe manner include, but are not limited to, the following actions: 1. Riding on a sidewalk designated as permissible without due caution for pedestrians, which shall include, but not be limited to, weaving between pedestrians, operating an electric bicycle at full power on crowded sidewalks, riding while distracted, or riding at night without lights. 2. Riding on a public right-of-way against the flow of traffic. 3. Failing to yield to vehicles or pedestrians when required by the California Vehicle Code. 4. Intentionally swerving or riding around stopped or slowed traffic. 5. Carrying passengers on bicycles or electric bicycles not designed or equipped for multiple riders. 6. Disobeying posted traffic signs, pavement markings or traffic control signals. 7. Riding without a properly fitted and fastened helmet when under the age of 18. 8. Intentionally lifting one or more wheels off the ground while riding. 3-9 9. Riding on public right-of-way at a speed greater than reasonable or prudent under the existing conditions, or at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property. 10. Failing to utilize a designated bicycle lane when signs are posted requiring such use. 12.56.070 Placement of Appropriate Signs. Whenever this Code or any ordinance or resolution of the City designates any portion of a sidewalk to allow cycling, the City Traffic Engineer shall place and maintain signs giving notice thereof. 12.56.080 Penalties, Impoundment, and Diversion. A. Unlawful Acts. It shall be unlawful for any person to violate any provisions of, or to fail to comply with, any of the requirements of this chapter. B. Enforcement and Impoundment. In addition to the fines and penalties that may be assessed to a minor pursuant to this Code, the Chief of Police or any officers of the Newport Beach Police Department charged with enforcing this chapter, may impound the motorized wheeled conveyance operated in violation of this chapter. Upon impoundment of a motorized wheeled conveyance, the minor shall be provided with written notice that possession of the impounded motorized wheeled conveyance shall be retained until released to a responsible adult. Motorized wheeled conveyances impounded and retained by the Police Department for more than ninety (90) days shall be deemed abandoned and may be disposed of as restricted by Civil Code Sections 2080.1, 2080.2, 2080.3, 2080.4 and 2080.5. The responsible adult shall be responsible for any impound fees adopted by resolution of the City Council. C. Diversion Program. The Chief of Police shall establish and administer a motorized wheeled conveyance diversion program designed to educate violators on safe riding practices and applicable traffic laws. Participation in the diversion program shall be offered to minors who are first-time offenders and may, in the discretion of the Chief of Police, be offered to other violators. If the diversion program is successfully completed by the violator, or in the case of a minor, by the minor and the minor's parent or guardian, the City Attorney is authorized not to file the citation, dismiss the citation and waive any penalties related thereto. The diversion program shall include, but not be limited to, instruction on: (1) traffic laws applicable to the use of motorized wheeled conveyances; (2) safe and courteous riding practices; (3) the proper use of safety equipment; and (4) the responsibilities of cyclists in shared public spaces. A fee for participation in the diversion program shall be established by resolution of the City Council. 3-10