Electric bicycles, otherwise known as E-Bikes, have become increasingly popular in recent years and the City of Mill Valley has seen an influx in ridership. The Mill Valley Police Department continues to receive complaints regarding unsafe riding of E-Bikes and would like to remind E-Bike riders of the rules of the road.
In particular, MVPD has seen a high number of helmet violations as well as wrong way violations. Please remember the following when riding E-Bikes in the City of Mill Valley:
- Per the California Vehicle Code, E-Bikes are subject to the same laws as motor vehicles and must follow the rules of the road (21200(a)(1) CVC)
- E-Bikes must ride in the same direction as traffic (21650.1 CVC)
- Riders and passengers under 18 years old must wear a helmet (21212(a) CVC)
- Both riders and passengers (all ages) are required to wear helmets on Type 3 E-Bikes (21213(b) CVC)
- E-Bikes are prohibited from riding on the sidewalk (MVMC 10.04.140)
The average cost for a ticket for not wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle in Marin County is nearly $200. Please wear a helmet, it’s not worth hurting yourself or your wallet!
The Mill Valley Police Department is committed to the safe operation of E-Bikes. Additional information can be found at Marin County Bicycle Coalition and Share the Path Marin