Sacramento County Park Rangers, working in partnership with the Sacramento County Probation UTV Team and California Highway Patrol motorcycle officers, recently conducted a targeted enforcement operation along the American River Multi-Use Trail between Watt Ave and Chase Drive.
The operation focused on addressing growing concerns related to unsafe e-bike and e-motorcycle activity on the Parkway while educating riders about regulations designed to protect all trail users. As e-bikes and similar vehicles become increasingly popular, Rangers have observed an increase in violations involving excessive speeds, unauthorized vehicles on the trail and riders who may not fully understand the rules governing their use.
During the operation, Rangers issued seven citations and towed four vehicles, including Class 3 e-bikes and e-motorcycles that were being operated in violation of state law and County ordinances. Violations included operating Class 3 e-bikes on the bike trail, riding without required helmets, exceeding the Parkway's 15 mph speed limit, operating unregistered vehicles, driving without the appropriate license or motorcycle endorsement and operating e-motorcycles on the trail.
Several riders were contacted traveling well above the posted 15 mph speed limit, including some operating at speeds approaching 30 mph. Rangers also encountered vehicles being represented as e-bikes that, upon inspection, met the definition of e-motorcycles and were therefore subject to additional licensing, registration and operating requirements.
The American River Parkway Trail is a shared-use recreational facility used by cyclists, pedestrians, runners and families. Speed limits and vehicle restrictions are intended to reduce conflicts and help ensure a safe environment for everyone enjoying the Parkway.
Recent changes to Sacramento County ordinances have been approved to strengthen the tools available to Park Rangers when addressing unsafe or unauthorized e-bike activity. In addition to educational contacts and citations, beginning June 19, Rangers will have the discretion to pursue misdemeanor enforcement actions for certain violations when circumstances warrant. With these changes, Rangers emphasize that riders should not assume violations will result only in warnings.
"These enforcement efforts are about more than issuing citations," said Commander Trevor Schnitzius. "Our goal is to address the public's concerns regarding unsafe e-bike and e-motorcycle activity, improve safety for everyone who uses the trail and educate riders about the rules that are in place to protect all visitors. Working alongside our partners at Sacramento County Probation and CHP allows us to address these issues more effectively, and visitors should expect to see continued enforcement throughout the Parkway."
Park Rangers remind visitors that Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited on the American River Parkway Trail, e-motorcycles are not permitted on the trail, and all trail users must comply with the posted 15 mph speed limit. Riders are encouraged to familiarize themselves with applicable regulations before visiting the Parkway.
These enforcement operations will continue as part of Sacramento County Regional Parks' ongoing commitment to public safety and ensuring a safe, enjoyable experience for all Parkway visitors.