GARTH TAYLOR, San Clemente
Is having no law better than one that is not enforced? I am referring to Section 1: Section 12.32.130 of the San Clemente Municipal Code prohibiting the operation of any Electric Bicycle, Motorized Scooter, Electrically Motorized Board, or other similar motorized recreational device upon any portion of the Beach or Beach Trail.
The ordinance was passed on Feb. 1 of this year. Every day since then (at least until today, March 11), there have been electric bicycles careening down the Beach Trail and pushing pedestrians to the side of the footbridge.
On March 1 (or thereabouts), signs went up at either end of the Beach Trail advising bike riders of the ordinance and a $100 fine.
The San Clemente City Council is to be commended for passing this much-needed ordinance. However, failure to enforce the ordinance has created an even more dangerous situation than before.
Pedestrians are not sure whether there is a serious restriction in place. When reminded of the ordinance, electric bicycle riders have become pushy and belligerent. At some point, there will be a confrontation, or the riders, empowered by their successful scofflaw behavior, will run into a walker or a carriage.
As a daily user of the Beach Trail, I ask: “What has been accomplished? Is having no law better than one that is not enforced? Is there an alternative?”
