Venice Neighborhood Council Tackles E-Bike and Scooter Issues on Boardwalk

Yolanda Gonzalez, a member of the Venice Neighborhood Council (VNC), recently unveiled proposed signage aimed at addressing the issue of vehicles illegally riding with pedestrians on Venice’s popular boardwalk. This announcement is part of ongoing efforts to manage the increasing number of electric bicycles and scooters navigating areas designated for pedestrian use rather than the bike path.

Electric scooters and bicycles are currently prohibited from using the bike path, leading to challenges in ensuring these vehicles remain in their designated areas. Nick Antonicello, a resident for over 30 years and a member of the Oceanfront Walk Committee of the VNC, has advocated for the construction of a separate path from the Venice Fishing Pier to the Santa Monica border. He suggests that the cost of this path could be funded by the e-bike and scooter companies operating in the area.

Mark Ryavec, President of the Venice Stakeholders Association, has been actively collaborating with city officials to implement proper signage and ensure that retailers renting these motorized vehicles inform their customers of the rules against using the boardwalk for motorized access.

Clark Brown, a retired attorney and another member of the VNC, has also made efforts to reach out to vehicle rental operators to educate them and their customers on permitted zones for their usage. Despite these measures, non-compliance and lack of enforcement remain longstanding issues, particularly highlighted after a four-year-old girl was struck by an electric vehicle a few months ago.

These initiatives reflect a broader community effort to balance the popularity of electric vehicles with pedestrian safety, as the Venice Beach boardwalk continues to attract both local residents and tourists. The steps taken by local authorities indicate a commitment to addressing these challenges through strategic planning and community collaboration.