Modesto advances bike rules with fines up to $5,000

The Modesto City Council advanced a proposal to restrict dangerous bicycle and e-bike riding on Oct. 13, waiving the ordinance’s first reading. The proposal is not law, and its penalties and restrictions are not in force unless the council adopts it in a final vote.

The proposal targets dangerous stunts, groups of riders blocking traffic and street takeovers. It would establish escalating fines: $500 for a first offense, $2,500 for a second and $5,000 for a third or later offense. The schedule would make repeat violations substantially more costly than an initial offense.

Fines, impoundment and rules for minors

Police could impound a bicycle for up to 30 days when officers considered that necessary to prevent further dangerous riding or protect public safety. That authority would be discretionary under the proposal; it would not make impoundment automatic for every covered violation.

Parents could face fines of up to $2,000 per minor in specified circumstances involving assisting, authorizing or permitting a child’s violation. The proposal would also allow safety courses to be required for minors. These provisions would apply to parents and young riders only in the circumstances set out in the proposed rules.

The proposal would set a 15-mph speed limit in city parks and on trails. Council discussion raised questions about how that limit would be enforced. The speed rule is separate from the proposed penalties for conduct such as dangerous stunts, blocking traffic or street takeovers.

Questions raised before a final vote

Police Chief Brandon Gillespie told the council that adults as well as younger riders had been involved in street takeovers. A resident asked whether a minor’s first offense, if it did not involve a street takeover, could instead result in a warning and a safety course. That question highlighted concern about how the proposed penalties would apply to young riders and less serious first violations.

The council’s action advanced the proposal but did not settle those questions or put the rules into effect. A final council vote is required. CBS Sacramento reported that, if approved, the ordinance would take effect 30 days after final passage.