(FOLSOM, CA.)— Folsom officials say police have stepped up enforcement efforts after residents raised concerns about dangerous behavior involving young people riding electric bicycles throughout the city.
The issue surfaced during the July 14th City Council meeting, where several residents described what they said were ongoing problems involving reckless riding, vandalism and harassment.
One resident told the council that groups of youths have been riding through neighborhoods and parks while throwing rocks and bottles, damaging property and creating safety concerns for pedestrians and motorists. Other speakers urged the city to increase enforcement before someone is seriously injured.
Unlike many public comment sessions, city officials immediately addressed the concerns.
(City Manager Bryan Whitemyer speaking about E-Bike conducted targeted enforcement efforts made by the Police Department. Credit: Metro Cable 14 YouTube video.)
"I'm sorry that happened," City Manager Bryan Whitemyer said, in response to one resident who described an incident involving his wife and a group of e-bike riders.
Whitemyer said Police Chief Adam Green recently directed targeted enforcement operations using marked and unmarked patrol vehicles, along with drones.
(Initial operation where officers conducted dedicated e-bike and e-motorcycle enforcement. Credit: Folsom Police Department Instagram.)
During the initial operation, officers contacted 19 riders, issued eight citations—including two riders without a valid driver's license—and towed two bikes.
Following OpGov.News' request for additional information, the Folsom Police Department said its enhanced e-bike enforcement campaign began earlier this month and builds on educational presentations officers gave at Folsom middle schools during the last school year. Police said the department is also expanding public outreach through social media and the city's digital and printed newsletters.
(On July 15, officers assigned to the Folsom Police Department’s Problem-Oriented Policing Team contacted a juvenile who was operating an e-motorcycle on a public sidewalk. Credit: Folsom Police Department Instagram.)
Since the City Council meeting, officers conducted two additional enforcement operations. During those efforts, police contacted 29 riders, towed four electric motorcycles, issued six citations and provided 17 educational contacts focused on e-conveyance laws and safe riding practices.
Police said complaints have not been concentrated in any one neighborhood, with enforcement actions and calls for service occurring throughout the city.
So far this year, the department has responded to 403 citizen-initiated calls for service involving e-conveyances, conducted 92 officer-initiated contacts, and investigated 16 reported traffic collisions involving e-bikes.
Whitemyer encouraged residents to continue reporting incidents so officers can identify patterns and deploy resources where they are needed most.
"Our goal is to promote safe riding through education while continuing strict enforcement when riders put themselves or others at risk," he said.
He added that the city views the issue as an ongoing concern.
"This is a problem because it's happening on a very regular basis," Whitemyer said. "If there's one takeaway from my comments, it's that this issue is important to us. This is the beginning of our education effort, but we will also enforce the law and hold people accountable going forward."
The discussion comes as communities across California continue grappling with increased e-bike use among teenagers, prompting many agencies to expand education and enforcement efforts.
(Law enforcement agencies across Sacramento are reminding riders that not all electric two-wheeled vehicles are the same. Officials say understanding e-bike classifications, following traffic laws, wearing proper safety gear, and knowing where different vehicles are allowed can help prevent crashes and injuries. Credit: Sacramento Police Department Instagram.)
The Sacramento Police Department joined the Sacramento County Sheriff's Office, Galt Police Department, Sacramento State Police Department and Sacramento County Regional Parks Rangers in launching a regional education campaign reminding riders and parents that different laws apply depending on whether a vehicle is classified as an e-bike or an electric motorcycle. The agencies also encouraged riders to wear helmets, obey traffic laws and follow trail restrictions to reduce crashes and serious injuries.
(The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office encourages parents, new riders and the broader community to understand the laws governing the different types of electric vehicles, emphasizing that following the rules of the road can help prevent crashes and keep everyone safer. Credit: Sacramento County Sheriff's Office Instagram.)
The Sacramento County Sheriff's Office also teamed up with the Rancho Cordova Police Department to release an earlier public service announcement reminding residents about the safe operation of electric scooters, e-bikes and electric motorcycles.
The Folsom Police Department encourages riders and parents to familiarize themselves with California's laws governing e-bikes and other electric conveyances. Information on classifications, legal requirements and safety tips is available on the city's website.
Note: No formal action was taken Tuesday because the issue was raised during public comment rather than as an agenda item.
If you’d like to add or correct anything in this report, feel free to reach out to me or leave a comment below. Have tips or story ideas from around Folsom? Send them to Sarah Denos at sarahkdenos@gmail.com.
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