Chapter 10.06
PEDESTRIAN, BICYCLE, AND SKATEBOARD REGULATIONS1
Sections:
10.06.025 Operation of electric bicycles.
10.06.030 Recreational transportation on sidewalks.
10.06.040 Skateboards, roller skates and similar pedestrian traffic.
10.06.050 Pedestrian movements.
10.06.010 Definitions.
“Electric bicycle” means an electric bicycle equipped with both fully operable pedals and an electric motor, as further defined by Vehicle Code Section 312.5, as it may be amended from time to time.
“Electric personal assistive mobility device” means a self-balancing, nontandem two-wheeled device that can turn in place, designed to transport only one person, with an electric propulsion system, as further defined by Vehicle Code Section 313, as may be amended from time to time.
“Electrically motorized board” means any wheeled device that has a floorboard designed to be stood upon when riding, is designed to transport only one person, and has an electric propulsion system, as further defined by Vehicle Code Section 313.5, as it may be amended from time to time.
“Motorized scooter” means any two-wheeled device that has handlebars, has either a floorboard that is designed to be stood upon when riding or a seat and footrests in place of the floorboard, and is powered by an electric motor, as further defined by Vehicle Code Section 407.5, as may be amended from time to time.
“Motorized vehicle” shall have the same meaning as “motorized vehicle” or “moped,” as further defined by Vehicle Code Section 406, as it may be amended from time to time. [Ord. 2022-229 § 3].
Cross-reference: definitions generally, AVMC 1.02.010.
10.06.020 Bicycle operation.
A. Direction of Travel. Persons riding or operating a bicycle or electric bicycle on a bicycle trail or path may proceed in either direction except on those trails or paths designated for one-way traffic by appropriate markings or signs.
B. Walking Bicycles. Bicycles and electric bicycles may be walked subject to all provisions of the law applicable to pedestrians. [Ord. 2022-229 § 3; Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A). Formerly 10.06.010].
10.06.025 Operation of electric bicycles.
A. No person shall ride an electric bicycle within the city in an unsafe manner on any publicly owned property, including, but not limited to, a public roadway, highway, sidewalk, park, nor on any private property open to the public.
1. For purposes of this section, “unsafe manner” means any act or acts in violation of the Aliso Viejo Municipal Code, California Vehicle Code, or other existing law. “Unsafe manner” also includes riding or otherwise operating an electric bicycle in such a way as to constitute a danger to the operator of the electric bicycle, a passenger, other motorists, other riders, or pedestrians.
2. Examples of riding in an unsafe manner may include, but are not limited to, the following actions:
a. Intentionally elevating one or more wheels while riding on a public roadway, highway, sidewalk, bicycle lane, or bike path. It is not a violation of this subsection if one or more wheels lose contact with the ground briefly due to the condition of the road surface or other circumstances beyond the control of the rider.
b. Riding on the sidewalk without due caution for pedestrians.
c. Riding on the highway or bicycle lane against the flow of traffic.
d. Intentionally swerving or riding around stopped or slowed traffic.
e. Operating an electric bicycle in a manner it was not designed for, including carrying passengers on a bicycle not designed for carrying passengers, or standing on the seat of the bicycle.
f. Disobeying posted signs or traffic lights.
g. Use of an electric bicycle by a person under the age of 18 without a properly fitted and fastened helmet.
B. No person shall operate an electric bicycle while holding and operating a handheld wireless telephone or an electronic wireless communications device, unless the wireless telephone or electronic wireless communications device is specifically designed and configured to allow voice-operated and hands-free operation, and it is used in that manner while riding the electric bicycle. For purposes of this subsection, an “electronic wireless communications device” includes, but is not limited to, a broadband personal communication device, a handheld device, or pager.
C. The provisions of this section are in addition to all other regulations for bicycle operation set forth in this chapter and in state law. [Ord. 2025-244 § 3].
10.06.030 Recreational transportation on sidewalks.
A. Riding on Sidewalks. Bicycles, electric bicycles, roller skates, roller blades, nonmotorized and motorized scooters, nonmotorized skateboards, electrically motorized boards, electric personal assistive mobility devices, and other similar nonmotorized and motorized forms of transportation may be ridden or operated on all sidewalks within the city at a speed not to exceed five miles per hour except as otherwise prohibited by this chapter. Motorized vehicles shall not be permitted to be ridden upon sidewalks.
B. Nonmotorized and motorized recreational transportation, as provided in subsection (A) of this section, shall be operated at a speed that is reasonable or prudent, having due regard for weather, visibility, pedestrian and vehicular traffic, and the surface and width of the sidewalk, and in no event at a speed that endangers the safety of any person or property.
C. Prohibitions. Notwithstanding subsection (A) of this section, bicycles, electric bicycles, roller skates, roller blades, nonmotorized and motorized scooters, nonmotorized skateboards, electrically motorized boards, electric personal assistive mobility devices, and other similar nonmotorized and motorized forms of transportation shall not be ridden or operated upon the following:
1. Sidewalks within a commercial or business center or complex;
2. Sidewalks adjacent to any public school building when school is in session;
3. Sidewalks and parking lots adjacent to or within any community or recreation center when in use;
4. Sidewalks adjacent to a church during services;
5. Parking lots of any property owned or operated by the city; or
6. Any pedestrian overcrossing or other sidewalk where prohibited by posted signs.
D. Public Works Director to Designate Additional Prohibitions. Notwithstanding subsection (A) of this section, the public works director, or his or her designee, may designate and declare certain portions of sidewalk where the riding or operation of bicycles, electric bicycles, roller skates, roller blades, nonmotorized and motorized scooters, nonmotorized skateboards, electrically motorized boards, electric personal assistive mobility devices, and other similar nonmotorized and motorized forms of transportation is prohibited.
E. Public Works Director to Post Signs. The public works director, or his or her designee, shall erect and maintain signs adjacent to sidewalks designating limits and prohibitions authorized by this chapter.
F. No Effect on ADA Power-Driven Mobility Devices. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, wheelchairs and other power-driven mobility devices used as a mobility aid by a person with a disability may be ridden or operated on all sidewalks in the city at the speed of pedestrian traffic and in a manner which is safe for the user and other pedestrians.
G. Yielding Right-of-Way. Whenever any person is riding a bicycle, electric bicycle, roller skates, roller blades, a nonmotorized or motorized scooter, a nonmotorized skateboard, electrically motorized board, electric personal assistive mobility devices, or other similar nonmotorized or motorized form of transportation, such person shall yield right-of-way to any and all pedestrians. A person riding or operating any such form of transportation shall further yield to all traffic upon entering a roadway or driveway. [Ord. 2022-229 § 3; Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A). Formerly 10.06.020].
10.06.040 Skateboards, roller skates and similar pedestrian traffic.
A. No person shall ride a nonmotorized skateboard, electric personal assistive mobility devices, roller skates, roller blades, nonmotorized scooter, or other conveyance propelled by human power other than a bicycle, or cause or permit the same to roll or coast on the roadway of any street in the city.
B. The provisions of subsection (A) of this section shall not apply to cul-de-sacs where the length of the cul-de-sac is 500 feet or less. [Ord. 2022-229 § 3; Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A). Formerly 10.06.030].
10.06.050 Pedestrian movements.
The public works director, or his or her designee, is hereby authorized to place and maintain signs or markings to prohibit or to restrict pedestrian crossings at certain intersections. [Ord. 2022-229 § 3; Ord. 2010-126 § 1 (Exh. A). Formerly 10.06.040].
Cross-references: violations and penalties generally, Chapter 1.06 AVMC; skateboards, roller skates and in-line skates in parks, AVMC 11.10.140; bicycles in parks, AVMC 11.10.220.