Student permits required under new San Marcos e-bike safety initiative

SAN MARCOS — Leaders in education, law enforcement and local government in San Marcos have teamed up to launch a new e-bike safety program that includes a required safety course for students riding bikes to school.

Launched Aug. 12, the Stay Safe San Marcos initiative is a partnership between the City of San Marcos, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department’s San Marcos Station and San Marcos Unified School District focused on education and safety measures for bike and e-bike riders.

Under the initiative, students at Double Peak School, San Elijo Middle School, San Marcos High School, and Mission Hills High School who ride their bikes to campus are required to obtain a permit through an in-person education class led by the Sheriff’s Department. 

Looking ahead, the San Marcos City Council will also consider updates to the municipal code regarding e-bikes to enhance local safety. 

“The City of San Marcos is excited to introduce this safety program as a crucial step toward promoting safe riding practices for e-bike riders, motorists, and pedestrians. We are proud to work together to improve the safety of our roads,” said City Manager Michelle Bender. 

SMUSD has held three bike safety classes so far this month, with over 300 students and parents attending an Aug. 13 class at San Elijo Middle School. 

The next class is on Aug. 28 at 6 p.m. at Redwood Hall at Mission Hills High School, with additional classes to be offered in September and October. Students must bring their bikes and helmets to receive permit stickers and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. No registration is required. 

“By working together with the City and the Sheriff’s Office, we are committed to ensuring that our young riders are well prepared to enjoy electric bicycles safely, contributing to a safer environment for everyone in our community,” said SMUSD Superintendent Dr. Andy Johnsen. 

San Marcos Unified spokesperson Amy Ventetuolo said that only students at the four designated schools would be required to obtain a permit at this time; however, the district plans to expand the program to other schools in the future.

“While all students can and are encouraged to attend the permitting classes to ride safely, only students at those four schools are required to take the classes to park their bikes on campus this year. Additionally, those four schools have the highest bike ridership, which is why they were selected,” Ventetuolo said. 

Students wishing to ride bikes to school have until Oct. 31 to obtain a permit. Those who already obtained a permit last year through a separate initiative at San Elijo Middle School will not need to obtain a new one.

As part of Stay Safe San Marcos, the Sheriff’s Department will also conduct safety sweeps around schools to promote safe riding practices. 

For example, helmets are required for all riders 17 and under, and carrying passengers on an e-bike is not permitted unless they are fitted with an extra seat.

“Our goal is to ensure the community feels educated and that we are all working toward their best interest. By helping enforce safety practices, we can create a safer San Marcos,” said Captain Kevin Ralph. 

School-based bike permit programs have become more common in North County in the past two years as cities seek stricter bike safety regulations in response to the rising number of e-bikes on the streets.

Legislators are also hoping to implement change at the state level with bills like Assembly Bill 2234, introduced by Assemblymember Tasha Boerner (D-Encinitas), which seeks to require young e-bike riders statewide to pass a written safety test.

AB 2234 has passed the Assembly and is currently working its way through the state Senate. 

For more information about the Stay Safe San Marcos initiative, visit rb.gy/6jey4v.