Tiburon board seeks rule changes for e-bikes, other devices

Tiburon has taken the first step toward updating regulations on e-bikes, hover boards and other electric mobility devices in town, with the parks committee recommending clear bans on riding on sidewalks, towing riders and riding double. Class 3 e-bikes — those that go up to 28 mph and require riders be 16 years or older and helmeted — would remain banned everywhere but roadways.

At its Nov. 7 meeting, the Parks, Open Space and Trails Commission voted 4-0, with Commissioner Tim Burr absent, to recommend the Town Council update Tiburon’s rules to account for the increased prevalence of electric devices on bicycle and pedestrian paths.

The move comes after serious accidents on Southern Marin paths, including on Tiburon’s Old Rail Trail, and amid steady streams of complaints to town officials and police about unsafe riding, mostly by kids. The commission based its recommended updates on Mill Valley’s ordinance, which was passed in April.

Enforcement would include anything from citations to requiring a violator — and a youth violator’s parents — to take a safety-training program at their own expense.

Read the complete story in our e-edition, or SUBSCRIBE NOW for home delivery and access to the digital replica.