HomeMy WebLinkAbout081325-Correspondence (1)
Danville Safety Advocates
August 11, 2025
To: Mayor Renee Morgan, Vice Mayor Newell Arnerich, Councilmembers Karen Stepper,
Robert Storer and Mark Belotz
Subject: Immediate Action Needed - Prohibit E-Bikes and E-Motos on Sidewalks and Park
Paths
Honorable Mayor and Councilmembers,
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 and park paths. 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
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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 and park paths 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. San Anselmo Prohibits E-bikes in Town 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 and park
paths 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.
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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
Jim Berriatua, Todd Gary, Chuck Preas, Chris Kenber, Jennifer Fish, Alan Kalin, Bruce
Bilodeau, Jeff Eorio, Kyle Smith, John Dowey, Bob Mittelstaedt, Nicola Place, Gary Brannan,
Sandy Spinella, Paul Ambrose, Chris Preas, Lili Lillie, Chris Taddeo, Paul Schroeder, Gary
Spinella, Natalie Preas, Ted Trambley, Mike Mundle, Karr Frey, Brian Kelly, Barbara Hailey,
Diane Preas, Mark Dedon, Brian Frey, Eunice Cline and Lee Halverson
Attachment Links:
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)