Oakdale adopts ordinance to curb unsafe e‑bike riding; police given authority to impound dangerous devices

Oakdale’s City Council adopted an ordinance amending the municipal code to prohibit unsafe operation of bicycles, electric bicycles (e‑bikes) and other motorized devices in parks, trails, sidewalks and streets and to provide enforcement tools for police.

Staff framed the ordinance (proposed §19.67) as a conduct‑based measure aligned with the California Vehicle Code: it defines motorized devices, lists prohibited behaviors such as excessive speed, failure to yield, and stunt riding in public areas, and authorizes law enforcement to seize and administratively impound devices used in ways that endanger public safety, with a post‑impound due‑process hearing and recovery of administrative and storage costs.

Oakdale’s Police Chief described current and future enforcement practices, saying officers already use education and citations and that the ordinance gives them an additional tool to impound devices for up to 30 days when behavior endangers people or property. The chief and residents discussed limits on pursuits, juvenile traffic processes, and the administrative hearing process for retrieving impounded devices.

During public comment, many residents said they regularly see high‑speed riders, groups operating at night with no lights and few helmets, and occasional dangerous interactions with pedestrians and pets. Speakers recommended outreach and education (bicycle rodeos, school programs, booths at the morning market), explored grant funding opportunities for enforcement overtime and community programming, and suggested creating designated off‑road areas for high‑speed e‑motorcycles.

Council amended the ordinance language to clarify that the prohibition on motorized devices in parks does not apply where other motorized vehicles are already allowed (the change inserts an exception clause), then adopted the ordinance in a roll call vote recorded as 5–0.

The council directed the city and police department to publicize the ordinance, provide education to parents and youth, and pursue available grant funding for targeted enforcement and outreach.