Mobility & Curb Rules in Brentwood, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know
If you live in Brentwood or are thinking about moving there, mobility & curb rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Brentwood has 2 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of mobility & curb rules, and some of them might surprise you.
E-Bike Classes
Electric bicycles on Brentwood's paved and unpaved trails cannot exceed 15 mph or the posted speed limit. Municipal Code § 7.06.030(D) sets this cap and, in § 7.06.030(B), lets e-bikes exceed the standard 48-inch device length limit that applies to other mobility devices.
Key details: Governing section: BMC § 7.06.030(B), (D). Trail speed cap for e-bikes: 15 mph or posted limit. Standard OPDMD speed cap: 10 mph. Length exception for e-bikes: May exceed 48 inches. Gas-powered devices: Prohibited (§ 7.06.030(C)).
Operating an electric bicycle faster than 15 mph or the posted limit on a city trail, or violating the OPDMD standards in Section 7.06.030, is enforced as a Title 7 violation under Section 7.07.020: a misdemeanor carrying a minimum $1,000 fine, up to six months in jail, or both, or the city may issue an administrative citation instead.
Bike Lane Rules
Brentwood's bicycle and pedestrian lanes are off-limits to motor vehicles under Municipal Code Section 10.10.070. It is unlawful to drive or park any car, motorcycle, motor scooter, motorized skateboard or other motorized two- or three-wheel vehicle in a signed bike lane except maintenance and emergency vehicles, and horses cannot use the lanes either.
Key details: Banned vehicles: Cars, motorcycles, scooters, motorized skateboards. Exceptions: Maintenance and emergency vehicles only. Horses: Also barred from bike/pedestrian lanes. Signage required: Lane must be appropriately signed to enforce.
Driving or parking a motor vehicle in a signed bicycle and pedestrian lane, or riding a horse in one, is a Title 10 violation enforced under Section 10.21.010: an infraction, misdemeanor, or civil penalty under California Vehicle Code Division 17, at the discretion of the citing officer and city attorney.
The Bottom Line
Brentwood's mobility & curb rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Brentwood is broadly strict or permissive.
Keep in mind that Brentwood can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.