News Summary
The Newport Beach City Council has approved the expansion of Safety Enhancement Zones for major holiday weekends. The new ordinance includes more areas and increases fines for violations, aiming to enhance public safety and promote a family-friendly atmosphere. In addition, the Council has banned bicycles and e-bikes on the beach sand while enforcing stricter penalties for violators. These changes reflect the city’s commitment to improving safety for residents and visitors during peak beach seasons.
Newport Beach – The Newport Beach City Council has recently approved the expansion of Safety Enhancement Zones to ensure a safer environment during major holiday weekends such as Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day. This new ordinance, which broadens the scope of the zones to include both West Newport and Corona del Mar, will officially take effect starting the Memorial Day weekend from May 24 to May 26, 2024.
This significant policy change expands the previous regulation that had designated only a single weekend (July 4) and location (the Peninsula) for safety enhancements. The newly implemented zones aim to foster a family-friendly atmosphere and enhance public safety during peak times when beach attendance peaks.
To underline the importance of these areas, fines for violations of the Newport Beach Municipal Code occurring in these zones will be tripled during the designated holiday weekends. Types of offenses that will incur these heightened penalties include acts that disrupt public safety and the enjoyment of beachgoers, thereby encouraging respectful behavior among visitors.
The decision to expand the Safety Enhancement Zones coincides with a series of community-oriented activities, including an annual Arbor Day event conducted on April 25, celebrating Newport Beach’s achievement as a “Tree City USA” community for 35 consecutive years. The festive event featured a proclamation by Mayor Joe Stapleton, educational activities for local students, and tree planting at Mariners Park.
In conjunction with these enhancements, the Newport Beach Police Department is continuously seeking to engage the community. They have scheduled a special “Books & Badges Storytime” Mobile Café event for June 7 at the Central Library. During this event, police officers will read stories to children and provide insight into police work, enhancing community relations.
In another critical development aimed at improving public safety, the Newport Beach City Council has unanimously approved an ordinance banning the riding of bicycles, e-bikes, pedicabs, and motorized scooters on the beach sand. This decision addresses the growing concerns about the safety hazards posed by e-bikes, which can reach speeds of up to 28 mph. Reports indicated that the number of e-bikes stopped by police rose sharply from 139 in 2023 to 292 in 2024.
This new ordinance includes stiff penalties for violations, with fines reaching up to $100 for the first offense, $200 for a second offense, and $500 for any subsequent violations. Additionally, any bicycles or scooters left unattended on city property or at the beach will be classified as abandoned and subject to impound after 90 days.
While bicycles and e-bikes are prohibited on the sandy areas of the beaches, they remain permitted on the paved boardwalk, specifically from 36th Street to E Street, where riders must adhere to a speed limit of 8 mph. Community responses have been largely favorable, as residents appreciate the measures taken to regulate e-bike use on the beach, citing crucial improvements in safety for beachgoers.
The recent changes implemented by the Newport Beach City Council reflect a commitment to balancing public safety while enhancing the overall experience of residents and visitors during the busy summer months.
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Additional Resources
- Newport Beach Independent
- Los Angeles Times
- CBS News
- Patch
- Wikipedia: Newport Beach, California
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Newport Beach
