To: Mayor Renee Morgan, Vice Mayor Newell Arnerich, Councilmembers Karen Stepper, Robert Storer and Mark Belotz

Subject: Prohibit the Riding of E-Bikes on Sidewalks, Park Paths and Playground Areas

From: Alan Kalin, Bruce Bilodeau, Jeff Eorio, Jim Berriatua, John Mercurio, Todd Gary, Chuck Preas, Chris Kenber, Jennifer Fish, , Kyle Smith, John Dowey, Patty Collier, Bob Mittelstaedt, Nicola Place, Gary Brannan, Sandy Spinella, David Collier, Paul Ambrose, Chris Preas, Lili Lillie, Chris Taddeo, Annette McCormick, Paul Schroeder, Barbara Hughes, Teddy (Bear) Kalin, Gary Spinella, Natalie Preas, Brian Hughes, Ted Trambley, Angie Collier, Mike Mundle, Karr Frey, Brian Kelly, Barbara Hailey, Diane Preas, Mark Dedon, Brian Frey, Eunice Cline, Brian Swanson, Janet Kalin, James McCormick, Brett Collier, Steve Lichliter, Harriet Neely, Sarah Zaloumis,Stacey Diaz, Kim Smith, Linda Leonardini, Beth McKnight and Lee Halverson 

Honorable Mayor and Council members,

We urge the Town of Danville to take decisive action to address an escalating public safety crisis: the unrestricted use of e-bikes and throttle-powered electric motorcycles (“e-motos”) on sidewalks, park paths and playground areas. We request the immediate adoption of an ordinance prohibiting their operation in these pedestrian-only spaces

This is not a hypothetical risk – it is an ongoing and growing threat to residents’ safety.

The Reality on Our Streets and Paths

Each day in Danville, high-powered, throttle-driven machines—many capable of speeds exceeding 40 mph—are being ridden where families walk, seniors exercise, and children play.

Although marketed as “Class 2 e-bikes,” many of these vehicles—such as the Super73—are, in reality, electric motorcycles. They require no pedaling, feature instant throttle acceleration, weigh between 80 and 100 pounds, and travel at speeds far exceeding what sidewalks and park paths were ever designed to accommodate. “E-Moto” Slide Show: These are NOT Bicycles - They are Electric Motorcycles

A recent survey of our middle schools revealed over 200 of these unlicensed and unregistered e-motos in daily use by students. “E-Moto” Public Service Announcements These vehicles are being operated in crosswalks, on sidewalks, and through parks—creating frequent close calls and a growing number of collisions. Several pedestrians, including children and seniors, have already been injured. "Emerging Public Health Threat”  Listen to the Doctors – Watch the Video  

The Risk is Foreseeable and Preventable

The data and common public experience make one thing very clear: without intervention, it is only a matter of time before a severe injury or fatality occurs. The liability to the Town—and the preventable harm to our residents—cannot be ignored. “E-Moto” Injuries in Danville

Why Immediate Action is Necessary

• Sidewalks, park paths and playground area are not designed for vehicles traveling at motorcycle-level speeds.
• Residents have repeatedly warned of the dangers and near-misses.
• Other cities are adopting similar restrictions to safeguard pedestrians—Danville must do the same.The Cities of San Ramon, San Anselmo, Burlingame Prohibit E-bike in Parks

Our Request

We respectfully call on the Town Council to:

1. Adopt a town-wide ordinance—building on the existing downtown sidewalk restrictions—that explicitly prohibits the operation of e-bikes on all sidewalks, park paths and playground areas throughout Danville.
2. Implement clear signage and enforcement to ensure compliance and protect residents.

While long-term strategies may involve coordination at the state level - this local ordinance is an immediate, achievable step to prevent further harm. Waiting until after a tragedy occurs is not an option.

Your leadership on this issue will save lives, reduce injuries, and preserve the safety and character of our community.

Thank you for your prompt attention and commitment to protecting Danville residents.

For more information visit Danville Safety Advocates

Respectfully,

Danville Safety Advocates                                           

Attachment Links: 

PSA(Video) - Prohibit the Riding of E-Bikes on Park Paths and Playground Areas

Staff Report "Exploring E-Bike Safety Performance Data and Policy Options" (July 28, 2025)

Staff Report “E-Moto Safety Assessment San Ramon Valley Middle Schools” (June 10, 2025)

Staff Report "E-Moto & E-Scooter Survey at Local Middle Schools" (February 24/25, 2025)