SACRAMENTO, California — Governor Gavin Newsom recently signed two new laws aimed at enhancing the safety of the rapidly growing electric bike fleet in the state. These measures, spearheaded by Assemblywoman Laurie Davies, address concerns over the visibility and speed of e-bikes, which have become increasingly popular among California commuters and cyclists.
The first piece of legislation, Assembly Bill 544, mandates that e-bikes must be equipped with either a red reflector or a flashing red light on the rear when used at night. The intent behind this requirement is to improve visibility for drivers and ultimately reduce the number of nighttime accidents involving e-bike riders.
While existing guidelines from the Consumer Product Safety Commission dictate that all bicycles, including electric models, must have reflectors on various parts, the California law goes a step further. It specifies that the reflective light must be visible from a distance of 500 feet when illuminated by vehicle headlights, aiming to enhance safety in low-light conditions.
The second law, Assembly Bill 545, acts as a technical amendment to existing regulations concerning e-bike speed limits. Currently, Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are restricted to a maximum speed of 20 mph, while Class 3 models can reach up to 28 mph. A previous law had already made it illegal to modify e-bikes or sell equipment that enables such changes, but the new legislation extends these restrictions to include smartphone applications capable of unlocking and increasing e-bike speeds beyond legal limits.
Davies emphasized the importance of the new regulations in the context of advancing technology, stating, “These bills not only equip e-bikes with vital safety features but also prevent users from accessing apps that allow them to unlawfully enhance their bikes.”
As e-bike usage continues to surge across California, public safety and rider protection are increasingly becoming focal points for lawmakers. The state has witnessed a troubling rise in cycling fatalities, affecting both electric and traditional bicycles. Many recent accidents highlight that the primary threat to cyclists is often not the bicycles themselves, but rather the vehicles that share the road with them.
In tandem with the new laws, advocates stress the need for improved cycling infrastructure and stricter enforcement of traffic violations like speeding and reckless driving. These measures are viewed as essential steps toward ensuring a safer environment for all road users, from vulnerable cyclists to pedestrians.
The enactment of these laws demonstrates a proactive approach by California state officials to keep pace with the evolving landscape of urban transportation, prioritizing safety and accountability amid the growing popularity of electric bikes.
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