In recent years, the city of Coronado has seen growing use of electric bicycles, leading to concerns from residents about pedestrian safety.
As a result, members of the Coronado City Council are recommending that e-bikes be banned from all sidewalks and some other areas effective in early January 2025.
E-bikes and other motorized mobility devices are growing in popularity, while simultaneously increasing the likelihood of injuries on pedestrian pathways, including sidewalks, bike paths, trails, and some streets.
Council members have reviewed areas of intense pedestrian use with a high level of conflict with e-bikes and recommended banning them in those areas. That includes sidewalks, the Paseo Lawn, the boardwalk near Coronado Shores, and the Promenade along the Glorietta Bay Marina.
The Port of San Diego has implemented similar regulations in the interest of public safety.
Since 2021, e-bike safety data shows consistent collision rates, with 72% of collisions involving an e-bike caused by the operator, often due to unsafe speeds, according to a council report. While many accidents are mild, some result in moderate or severe injuries.