Just as motorists have had to learn to share the road with cyclists, California cyclists may have to do the same in sharing bikes lanes with electric skateboard riders, according to a bill signed by Gov. Jerry Brown on Oct. 11.
Riders of electric skateboards (or e-boards) have Assembly Republican Leader Kristin Olsen of Modesto to thank for their new new legitimacy. That's the Assembly Republican Leader below on an electric skateboard in front of the Capitol on the official "Electric Skateboard Demo Day" on June 9.
Credit: Assembly Republican Leader Kristin Olsen
Assembly Bill 604 "revers(es) a 38-year-old state ban on electric motorized boards," writes Bill Hutchinson for SF Gate.
"The ban was implemented in 1977 to keep noisy, gas-powered boards off the streets, but boards built today are quiet, clean and safe to ride," according to Assemblywoman Olsen's webpage on the bill.
Olsen's interest was as much economically-motivated as it was in advancing the rights of skateboarders and a zero-emission form of transportation. Modesto is home to Intuitive Motion, a manufacturer of electric skateboards called ZBoards.
“My legislation updates our outdated laws to give Californians an environmentally friendly transportation option, and encourages the growth of an industry to create new jobs,” Olsen said in a statement (and in the video below). [Warning: Everyone is having lots of fun - an odd appearance at the state Capitol].
As the video indicates, e-board riders will have access to the roadway, not just bike lanes, unless explicitly restricted. However, it is anticipated riders will use bike lanes where available.
Olsen's press release states, "The bill also authorizes local governments to adopt additional rules and regulations regarding the boards."
According to an email from Olsen's Capitol and Communications Director, Allison Wescott, use of the e-boards in bike lanes "is automatically legal [as of Jan. 1, 2016, when the law takes effect] unless cities want to regulate for their own needs."
Along with the new rights come responsibilities: helmets are required for e-board riders, adds Hutchinson.
According to a post last year, electric skateboards are targeted in part to a "growing number of urban professionals who don't want to drive to work."
FULL STORY: Gov. Brown gives green light to motorized skateboards
More Rights, Fewer Responsibilities, for Electric Scooter Riders in California
A bill that would toss the helmet requirement for adult e- scooter riders and allow them to ride on roads where the speed limit is 35 mph, up from the current limit of 25 mph, is on Governor Jerry Brown's desk. He has until Sept. 30 to decide.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Houston Mayor Kills Another Bike Lane
The mayor rejected a proposed bike lane in the Montrose district in keeping with his pledge to maintain car lanes.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie