Santa Monica City Council Clarifies Rules for Electric Devices on the Beach Bike Path and Approves Public Right-of-Way Fee
August 29, 2018 11:39 AM
SANTA MONICA, Calif. – At its meeting last night, the Santa Monica City Council unanimously voted to amend the Santa Monica Municipal Code to clarify existing rules for the use of different types of electric devices on the Santa Monica portion of the Marvin Braude regional beach bike path, the Pier and in City parks. The Council’s vote makes explicit rules that prohibit all electric and motorized devices, including electric scooters, electric bikes, Segways, motorized skateboards and all other devices that are not human-powered in such places. Council also directed staff to study a possible speed limit on the beach bike path. Council expressed interest in the issue being revisited over time as new devices appear, and existing devices become more familiar to users.
Updating the Municipal Code to clearly prohibit electric and motorized devices, as defined by the California Vehicle Code, clarifies the law and eliminates potential confusion regarding enforcement and regulation of such devices throughout Santa Monica, particularly on the beach bike path, on the Pier and in City parks.
The Santa Monica Police Department and the Code Enforcement Division will be enforcing illegal use of electric devices on the beach bike path, the Pier and in parks.
Council also voted to approve a use of public right-of-way fee for shared mobility devices of $1.00 per device, per day. This model is similar to the City’s outdoor dining license fees. Revenue from this fee will be invested in infrastructure improvements like expanding sidewalks, green lanes and other changes that make walking, biking, scooter riding, and moving around Santa Monica easier and safer.
“Last night’s Council actions around shared mobility devices are focused on public safety,” said Deputy City Manager Anuj Gupta. “The City Council is committed to advancing sustainable new transportation options, while maintaining safety as a top priority. The public right-of-way fee will fuel infrastructure investments for safe streets, while prohibiting devices on the beach bike path is aimed at reducing collisions and increasing safety for all users of this popular bike path.”
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Media Contact
Constance Farrell
Communications & Public Information Manager
Constance.Farrell@santamonica.gov