A planned e-bike “ride out” in the City of Murrieta resulted in 25 citations and 7 e-bikes impounded.
On Friday, June 5, the Murrieta Police Department, utilizing personnel from the Traffic Unit, Community Policing Team (CPT), Special Enforcement Team (SET), and the Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Drone Team, conducted an enforcement and education operation at Cole Canyon Park, after officers uncovered information on social media indicating a planned “ride out” event.
Officers issued 25 citations, impounded seven e-bikes, and recovered one stolen e-bike. In addition to enforcement, officers contacted riders and their parents and provided education on lawful operation, rider responsibilities, and safe conduct around pedestrians and vehicle traffic.
“Gatherings of this sort have recently occurred in surrounding cities and typically consist of 20 to 40 middle school and high school-aged riders that meet at a park or business lot and engage in behaviors that commonly violate multiple California Vehicle Code sections and city provisions, including conduct that places the riders and the public at risk,” the department said.
Over the past two years, the department said it has handled approximately 1,300 calls for service and complaints from the community related to e-bikes. Additionally, there have been 78 traffic collisions involving e-bikes, which have been responsible for 75 people being injured, including one fatality.
During the June 2 city council meeting, the council provided clear direction to be aggressive in enforcing applicable laws while expanding public education related to e-bike safety. Council also directed staff to continue strengthening local regulations, reinforcing the city’s shared expectation that this issue be addressed in a balanced and sustained manner, protecting the public while helping riders and families understand what safe, lawful riding looks like in the community.
In a news release, the Murrieta Police Department said it shares the same goal as the city council, “to aggressively address this issue through a three-pronged approach of education, rider and parent accountability, and enhanced community awareness, while also identifying and lobbying for stronger state and county legislation, pursuing stronger municipal regulations, and using multifaceted enforcement strategies to reduce collisions and prevent tragedy.”
Mayor Jon Levell said the safety of residents remains one of the council’s highest priorities. “The types of bikes that our officers impounded are not street legal. We want young riders to enjoy the benefits of e-bikes, but they must do so responsibly and within the law. This operation demonstrates that unsafe and unlawful e-bike behavior will not be tolerated in Murrieta. We will continue working closely with the Murrieta Police Department, parents, and the community to address this issue before more lives are impacted.”
