Laguna Woods Municipal Code Ch. 8.12 Pedestrian, Bicycle, and Skateboard Regulations

(a) Applicability. This section applies to the use of "bicycles," as that term is defined in the California Vehicle Code, as may change from time to time, on public streets and public right-of-way. This section does not apply to private streets or other private property.

(b) Use on sidewalks.

(1) Bicycles may be ridden on sidewalks at a speed not to exceed five miles per hour. When a bicycle is ridden, it must be ridden subject to all provisions of applicable law.

(2) Whenever any person is riding a bicycle on a sidewalk, such person shall yield to any and all pedestrians. A person riding a bicycle upon entering a roadway or driveway from a sidewalk shall yield to all vehicular traffic.

(3) Bicycles may be walked on sidewalks. When a bicycle is walked, it must be walked subject to all provisions of law applicable to pedestrians.

(c) Obstruction prohibited. No person shall leave or otherwise place a bicycle that is not being actively ridden in such a way as to obstruct or impede pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

(d) Handheld electronic device use when riding prohibited. No person shall ride a bicycle while using a cellular telephone or other handheld electronic device unless such device is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free operation, and it is used in that manner while riding.

(OCC § 6-4-500; Ord. No. 25-04, § 3(Exh. A), 9-17-2025)

(a) Applicability. This section applies to the use of "electric bicycles," as that term is defined in the California Vehicle Code, as may change from time to time, on public streets and public right-of-way. This section does not apply to private streets or other private property.

(b) Use on sidewalks.

(1) Electric bicycles may be ridden on all sidewalks at a speed not to exceed five miles per hour. When an electric bicycle is ridden, it must be ridden subject to all provisions of applicable law.

(2) Whenever any person is riding an electric bicycle on a sidewalk, such person shall yield to any and all pedestrians. A person riding an electric bicycle upon entering a roadway or driveway from a sidewalk shall yield to all vehicular traffic.

(3) Electric bicycles may be walked on sidewalks. When an electric bicycle is walked, it must be walked subject to all provisions of law applicable to pedestrians.

(c) Speed limits on public streets. No person shall ride an electric bicycle assisted by a pedal and/or throttle assist at a speed in excess of applicable limits set forth in the California Vehicle Code.

(d) Unsafe riding prohibited. No person shall ride or operate an electric bicycle in an unsafe manner. For the purpose of this subsection, "unsafe manner" means any act or acts in violation of the Code, California Vehicle Code, or other applicable law. "Unsafe manner" also means riding or operating an electric bicycle in such a way as to constitute a danger to any person on the electric bicycle, any other person, or any animal.

(1) Examples of riding or operating an electric bicycle in an unsafe manner may include, but are not limited to, the following:

a. Intentionally lifting one or more wheels into the air. 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 with or near any other electric bicycle more than two abreast.

c. Riding without due caution for pedestrians or vehicles, including failing to yield when required.

d. Riding against the flow of traffic in a bicycle lane.

e. Intentionally swerving or riding around stopped or slowed traffic.

f. Carrying passengers when the electric bicycle is not designed for carrying passengers.

g. Standing on the seat of the electric bicycle while the electric bicycle is in motion.

h. Failing to obey any sign posted by the City.

i. Failing to obey any traffic signal or other traffic control device.

(e) Obstruction prohibited. No person shall leave or otherwise place an electric bicycle that is not being actively ridden in such a way as to obstruct or impede pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

(f) Handheld electronic device use when riding prohibited. No person shall ride an electric bicycle while using a cellular telephone or other handheld electronic device unless such device is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free operation, and it is used in that manner while riding.

(Ord. No. 25-04, § 3(Exh. A), 9-17-2025)

Editor's note— Ord. No. 25-04, § 3(Exh. A), adopted Sep. 17, 2025, repealed the former § 8.12.020, and enacted a new § 8.12.020 as set out herein. The former § 8.12.020 pertained to bicycles on sidewalks and derived from OCC § 6-4-501.

(a) No person shall ride a skateboard, roller skates, or other conveyance propelled by human power other than a bicycle or electric bicycle or cause or permit the same to roll or coast on a public street.

(b) Obstruction prohibited. No person shall leave a skateboard, roller skates, or other conveyance propelled by human power other than a bicycle or electric bicycle laying on its side or in such a way as to obstruct or impede pedestrian or vehicular traffic.

(OCC § 6-4-502; Ord. No. 25-04, § 3(Exh. A), 9-17-2025)

The City Manager is hereby authorized to place and maintain signs or markings to prohibit or to restrict pedestrian crossings at certain legs of intersections.

(OCC § 6-4-503; Ord. No. 25-04, § 3(Exh. A), 9-17-2025)