Encinitas Metropolis Council Declares State of Emergency Over e-Bike Collisions

The Encinitas Metropolis Council declared a neighborhood state of emergency for bicycle, e-bicycle and motorized mobility machine security in response to a rising variety of collisions, officers introduced Thursday.

The proclamation acknowledged that e-bikes are sooner and heavier, a think about collisions that have a tendency “to result in extra extreme accidents and subsequent hospitalization charges when in comparison with common bikes.”

Mayor Tony Kranz mentioned that with the native declaration, “we’re redoubling our efforts to decrease the variety of reported bicycle collisions whereas we proceed to coach the general public on correct bicycling security protocols and protected driving habits.”

“By declaring a neighborhood emergency, town plans to create extra consciousness across the situation,” Kranz mentioned. “The town has created a public schooling marketing campaign which incorporates coordinating with college districts and personal colleges to relay visitors security messages and implementing digital messaging boards at excessive collision and visitors areas, reminding motorists and bicyclists the significance of roadway security.”

Based on the proclamation, the variety of collisions involving bicycles or e-bicycles has “nearly tripled since 2020,” with 11 collisions reported this 12 months.

Bicycle collisions are highest throughout the summer time months between June and September, metropolis officers mentioned.

“The town is able to enact new insurance policies and enforcement measures to assist cut back collisions prematurely of our busy summer time and tourism season,” they added.

Officers mentioned that metropolis authorities is working with the county Sheriff’s North Coastal Station visitors division to extend enforcement throughout the native emergency.

Deputies will be capable to waive a first-time violator’s penalties if they comply with take an permitted bike security course beginning July 28, in response to town.