Chapter 12.56 — BICYCLES AND SIMILAR DEVICES – REGISTRATION AND REGULATIONS

As used in this chapter, the following terms and words shall have the following meanings:

“Bicycle” has the same meaning as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 231.

“Bicycle lane” means a portion of a roadway that has been designated by striping, signage, or pavement markings for the preferential or exclusive use of bicycles.

“Electric bicycle” has the same meaning as defined in California Vehicle Code Section 312.5.

“Electrically motorized board” has the same meaning as defined in California Vehicle Code

A. Any person who is a resident of the City may apply to the Police Department for a bicycle or electric bicycle license. Motorized bicycles shall be licensed by the Department of Motor Vehicles and require a driver’s license to operate.

B. Fees for bicycle or electric bicycle license issuance or renewal shall be established by
resolution of the City Council. Fees shall be waived for all individuals who obtain a bicycle
or electric bicycle license or renewal at a City sponsored bicycle safety program.
(Ord. 2025-35 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025)

A. Prohibition. No person shall operate or ride a bicycle or electric bicycle upon any sidewalk except where such operation is specifically designated by resolution of the City Council or as otherwise authorized in subsection (B) of this section.

B. Exceptions. The provisions of this section shall not apply to:

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 12.56.030 VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC § 12.56.060

1. A mobility aid used by a person to assist with a disability.

2. Tricycles which measure less than one of the following:

a. Eighteen (18) inches from ground level to the neck joint;

b. Twenty-four (24) inches in width measured from the outer rear wheels;

c. Eighteen (18) inches in front tire diameter; or

d. Twelve (12) inches in rear tire diameter.

3. Any bicycle or electric bicycle operated by a City employee or contractor when acting
within the course and scope of his or her employment.
(Ord. 2025-35 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025)

A. No person shall operate or ride a surrey cycle or pedicab upon any sidewalk, boardwalk or any public pier in the City.

B. Any person who operates a surrey cycle or pedicab rental service, shop or facility must inform each person who rents a surrey cycle or pedicab at the time of the rental, in writing, of the restrictions contained in this section. Each rental surrey cycle or pedicab shall be posted to clearly inform each rider of the particular areas in the City where surrey cycles and pedicabs are prohibited.

C. Any person who operates a surrey cycle or pedicab rental service, shop or facility shall affix to each rented surrey cycle or pedicab a flag of sufficient size and color to increase visibility of the surrey cycle or pedicab. The flag, which shall be of international orange or similar color, and of sufficient size to enhance the visibility of the surrey cycle or pedicab, shall be affixed so that it reaches three feet above the highest portion of the surrey cycle or pedicab. (Ord. 2025-35 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025)

The City Traffic Engineer is authorized to designate bicycle lanes on streets and shall mark and sign them in conformance with California Vehicle Code Section 21400. (Ord. 2025-35 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025)

A. No person shall operate or ride a motorized wheeled conveyance upon any public right-of- way, or within any public park in a manner that is unsafe or that creates an unreasonable risk of injury to any person or damage to any property.

B. Examples of operating or riding in an unsafe manner include, but are not limited to, the
following actions:

1. Riding on a sidewalk designated as permissible without due caution for pedestrians,
which shall include, but not be limited to, weaving between pedestrians, operating an
electric bicycle at full power on crowded sidewalks, riding while distracted, or riding

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at night without lights.

2. Riding on a public right-of-way against the flow of traffic.

3. Failing to yield to vehicles or pedestrians when required by the California Vehicle
Code.

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

5. Carrying passengers on bicycles or electric bicycles not designed or equipped for
multiple riders.

6. Disobeying posted traffic signs, pavement markings or traffic control signals.

7. Riding without a properly fitted and fastened helmet when under the age of eighteen
(18).

8. Intentionally lifting one or more wheels off the ground while riding.

9. Riding on public right-of-way at a speed greater than reasonable or prudent under the
existing conditions, or at a speed which endangers the safety of persons or property.

10. Failing to utilize a designated bicycle lane when signs are posted requiring such use.
(Ord. 2025-35 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025)

Whenever this Code or any ordinance or resolution of the City designates any portion of a sidewalk to allow cycling, the City Traffic Engineer shall place and maintain signs giving notice thereof. (Ord. 2025-35 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025)

A. Unlawful Acts. It shall be unlawful for any person to violate any provisions of, or to fail to comply with, any of the requirements of this chapter.

B. Enforcement and Impoundment. In addition to the fines and penalties that may be assessed
to a minor pursuant to this Code, the Chief of Police or any officers of the Newport Beach
Police Department charged with enforcing this chapter may impound the motorized
wheeled conveyance operated in violation of this chapter. Upon impoundment of a
motorized wheeled conveyance, the minor shall be provided with written notice that
possession of the impounded motorized wheeled conveyance shall be retained until
released to a responsible adult. Motorized wheeled conveyances impounded and retained
by the Police Department for more than ninety (90) days shall be deemed abandoned and
may be disposed of as restricted by Civil Code Sections 2080.1, 2080.2, 2080.3, 2080.4
and 2080.5. The responsible adult shall be responsible for any impound fees adopted by
resolution of the City Council.

C. Diversion Program. The Chief of Police shall establish and administer a motorized wheeled
conveyance diversion program designed to educate violators on safe riding practices and
applicable traffic laws. Participation in the diversion program shall be offered to minors
who are first-time offenders and may, in the discretion of the Chief of Police, be offered to

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other violators. If the diversion program is successfully completed by the violator, or in the case of a minor, by the minor and the minor’s parent or guardian, the City Attorney is authorized not to file the citation, dismiss the citation and waive any penalties related thereto. The diversion program shall include, but not be limited to, instruction on: (1) traffic laws applicable to the use of motorized wheeled conveyances; (2) safe and courteous riding practices; (3) the proper use of safety equipment; and (4) the responsibilities of cyclists in shared public spaces. A fee for participation in the diversion program shall be established

by resolution of the City Council. (Ord. 2025-35 § 1 (Exh. A), 2025)

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City of Newport Beach, CA § 12.57.010 VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC § 12.57.030