HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/19/2026 Item 6b, Anonymous
To:E-mail Council Website
Subject:Upcoming SLO Traffic Safety Plan
I am happy to see this meeting taking place and I have several comments I would like to submit:
1. E-bikes are out of control everywhere in SLO.
I live in the new Righetti Ranch Development and I see it everyday on roads, sidewalks and on the
new trails. I am referring to the "motorized" e-bikes not pedal assist. Children and adults are riding
them without helmets and at a high rate of speed. They insist on riding on the sidewalks and not the
designated bike lanes. Many times I have been out walking my dog and have had a throttle e-bike
FLY right by me without any warning. It is very scary since I don't hear them coming and my dog
could easily take a side step and be in the path at the last minute. Who would think a speed limit is
needed on a sidewalk?! On the trails, especially in the early evening I hear what sounds like humming
drones on Righetti Hill on the new trails. I look and see multiple throttle e-bikes buzzing at high rates
of speed on the trails. These trails are for hikers, too. This is an accident waiting to happen if it hasn't
already. I have never seen any enforcement for any of these infractions either on the roads,
sidewalks or trails. I have reported it to the SLOPD but I am told to call Parks and Rec when it has to
do with the trails.
Along Orcutt Road near Broad on almost a daily basis I see unhelmeted cyclists pull U-turns right in
the middle of traffic. No concern about traffic.
My request would be that ALL throttle-type e-bikes be considered motorized just like ev and hybrid
cars and therefore be required to use bike lanes or roads ONLY, never sidewalks.
2. Cyclists take their lives in their hands riding bikes in SLO County.
If the City and County are truly serious about promoting safe cycling then bike lanes should be
continuous and also have a physical barrier for protection. Start with the most heavily used roads like
Broad, Higuera, Orcutt, Tank Farm, Buckley, LOVR, Foothill, etc. Make it possible to ride bike lanes
continuously rather than the mish-mash of current bike lanes that start and stop forcing cyclists back
onto unsafe roads.
3. Too many distractions
The last several years, the city has made many changes to the roads trying to make them safer.
Unfortunately in some cases, this had created too many odd things in the roadways that are
distracting, taking away the focus of what is important causing other things to be missed. Items like
bulb outs, white or yellow 4 ft high markers suddenly in the middle of the road, excessive road
painting, flashing yellow left hand turn signals. Things have become so busy, unique and chaotic
rather than simple, consistent, and clear.
I love the roundabouts. So efficient and much safer. I was so happy when the city added flashing
lights at the crosswalks on Tank Farm. It was so dangerous to try to cross there. And the vegetation
was changed to improve visibility of pedestrians.
My #1 concern are the hi-speed throttle e-bikes. I encounter them everyday. They should not be on
sidewalks or trails. They are motorized vehicles.
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Thank you for shining a light and addressing this important and complicated issue.
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