HomeMy WebLinkAboutAB 544 (Davies) TVC Support if Amended
Tri-Valley Cities
DANVILLE • DUBLIN • LIVERMORE • PLEASANTON • SAN RAMON
May 9, 2025 The Honorable Laurie Davies California State Assembly
1021 O Street, Room 6240 Sacramento, CA 95814 RE: AB 544 (Davies)Electric bicycles: required equipment. Tri Valley Cities Coalition – Support if Amended
Dear Assemblymember Davies: On behalf of the Tri-Valley Cities Coalition—which includes the cities of Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, San Ramon, and the Town of Danville—we write to express our support for Assembly Bill 544, provided it is amended to allow cities that issue citations under the bill to retain a greater portion of the resulting fines for reinvestment in local safety, education, and enforcement programs. AB 544 takes an important and timely step toward improving the safety of electric bicycle riders, particularly minors. As our communities experience significant growth in e-bike use among young people, we are increasingly concerned about the risks posed by improper equipment, lack of
helmet use, and limited rider training. The provisions of AB 544—particularly those requiring continuous rear lighting and specialized electric bicycle safety education—will help build a culture of safer riding habits, reduce preventable injuries, and improve roadway safety for all users.
That said, effective local implementation of these new requirements will depend on the capacity of cities to support education, enforcement, and outreach. Under current law, local agencies retain
just 25% of fines resulting from helmet or equipment violations, with the majority allocated to county programs. While we support investment in broader regional education, cities are on the front lines of implementing and enforcing these rules. Local police departments, school resource officers, and youth safety programs are directly involved in both issuing citations and providing follow-up education and resources to families.
We respectfully request that AB 544 be amended to permit a larger share of citation revenues to remain with the issuing city. This would empower municipalities to:
• Expand community-based safety campaigns and e-bike awareness events;
• Partner with local schools to provide age-appropriate bicycle safety training;
• Provide or subsidize safety equipment, such as helmets or lights, for low-income youth;
• Strengthen enforcement strategies at high-traffic areas and near schools;
• Ensure capacity for data tracking and program evaluation. Allowing cities to reinvest in these efforts will not only enhance compliance with AB 544 but also create safer streets, reduce the burden on emergency services, and support a more sustainable and effective approach to active transportation.
Tri-Valley Cities
DANVILLE • DUBLIN • LIVERMORE • PLEASANTON • SAN RAMON
We appreciate your leadership on this issue and urge you to consider this commonsense amendment that aligns local resources with local responsibilities. The Tri-Valley Cities Coalition looks forward to supporting AB 544 as it advances through the legislative process.
Sincerely,
______________________ ____________________
City of Pleasanton City of San Ramon
Mayor Jack Balch Mayor Mark Armstrong
Tri-Valley Cities Coalition
Cc: Assembly Member Rebecca Bauer Kahan Assembly Member Liz Ortega Senator Jerry McNerney Senator Tim Grayson
__________________ ____________________ ____________________ Town of Danville City of Dublin City of Livermore
Mayor Renee Morgan Mayor Sherry Hu Mayor John Marchand