Newport Beach City Council Bans Vehicles on the Beach

News Summary

The Newport Beach City Council has unanimously passed an ordinance prohibiting bicycles and motorized vehicles, including e-bikes and scooters, from the sand at local beaches due to safety concerns. This decision follows a rise in complaints and incidents involving e-bikes, which are capable of reaching high speeds. The ordinance introduces penalties for violations and aims to enhance safety for both beachgoers and wildlife. Bicycles and e-bikes will still be permitted on the paved boardwalk, where speed limits will be enforced.

Newport Beach, CA – The Newport Beach City Council has unanimously approved an ordinance banning all types of bicycles and motorized vehicles, including e-bikes, pedicabs, surrey cycles, and scooters, from riding on the sand at the city’s beaches. This decision was made during a council meeting held on May 13, where the ordinance was included in the consent calendar.

The new regulations aim to address a growing number of complaints related to the increased presence of e-bikes on the beach. Reports indicate that the Newport Beach police have seen the number of e-bikes they have stopped double, from 139 in 2023 to 292 in 2024. E-bikes can reach speeds as high as 28 mph while operating on the beach, raising concerns about safety among beachgoers, particularly in the summer when crowds swell.

According to Newport Beach Police Department Sergeant Kelley Maslin, the combination of high speeds, the shifting terrain of the beach, and the large number of visitors create potential hazards. As a safety measure, the ordinance includes specific penalties for violations. Fines for riding bicycles or motorized vehicles on the sand will be $100 for the first offense, $200 for a second offense, and $500 for any subsequent violations.

In addition to fines, any bicycles or scooters left tied to city property or abandoned on the beach or the boardwalk may be seized, deemed abandoned property, and impounded. If not claimed within 90 days, these items will be sold.

While the ordinance restricts riding on the sand, bicycles and e-bikes—excluding motorized scooters—will still be allowed on the paved boardwalk that runs between 36th Street and E Street, where a speed limit of 8 mph is enforced to ensure safety.

The decision has garnered praise from some residents, who believe that regulating the use of e-bikes is a positive step toward improving safety and adherence to speed limits along the beach. In an effort to foster safety, the Newport Beach Police Department is also enhancing enforcement measures around local schools to ensure cyclists follow safety protocols.

The ordinance comes at a crucial time as the city currently reviews its bicycle safety policies to adapt to the increasing popularity of electric bicycles. This update is part of a broader initiative to ensure the safety of all residents and visitors to Newport Beach.

This ordinance reflects the city’s commitment to protecting its natural environment and public safety, particularly as it pertains to sensitive areas along the beach, where endangered bird species and rare lizards and butterflies reside. Enforcement measures will help to ensure that both beachgoers and wildlife are protected from the risks posed by high-speed e-bike riders navigating through these environmentally delicate zones.

As Newport Beach continues to evolve and grow, these regulations aim to create a safer and more enjoyable beach experience for everyone while also considering the ecological impact of increased human activities along the coastline.

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Additional Resources

• LA Times: Newport Beach Bans Bikes and E-Bikes
• Wikipedia: Electric Bicycle
• ABC7: Children’s Hospital Reports Increase in Bike Injuries
• Google Search: Newport Beach Bicycle Safety
• Patch: Drugs and E-Bikes Seized in Newport Beach
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Bicycle
• Newport Beach Indy: Bicycle Master Plan Update
• Google News: E-Bike Regulations