Past problems with juveniles on bicycles gathering in large numbers and taking over the streets in Ceres led Ceres Police Chief Trenton Johnson on Monday to ask the council to strengthen local laws intended to end future problems.

Multiple cities across the country have reported similar acts of large crowds of kids ignoring safety and traffic laws, blocking vehicles and committing unsafe maneuvers. The situation has raised the ire of the motoring public.

“These changes are being presented in response to significant public concern, both expressed on social media and in person, about the dangerous operation of bicycles in our community,” said Chief Johnson.

He called on the Ceres City Council to add two sections to bicycle operation regulations to the Ceres Municipal Code, titled, “Section 10.05.120 – “Organized, Planned or Street Take Over,” and adding penalties.

Chief Johnson said the move is intended to provide his officers with clearer authority and appropriate tools to address violations effectively, and to hold not only the riders but also their parents or event organizers accountable when necessary. Impounding bicycles for 30 days is part of the new enforcement effort along with impound fees of $250 for the first impound, $500 for the second, $750 for the third and $1,000 for the fourth or subsequent impounds.

Since January 2024, Ceres Police has recorded 19 injury collisions involving bicyclists, two of which were fatal. During the same time, Ceres Police received 85 calls for service related to “bicyclists riding without due regard for the safety of people and property … riding recklessly, blocking traffic lanes, and failing to obey traffic laws.

“These individuals often engage in dangerous behavior, such as playing chicken with oncoming vehicles, striking or kicking passing vehicles and causing damage,” said the chief. Bicyclists must follow the California Vehicle Code like those who drive vehicles and common bike offenses include blowing through stop signs and red lights and improper lane usage.

While many of these riders are juveniles, adults sometimes participate as well, Johnson noted.

The new law will also apply to electric bikes provided they don’t exceed 20 mph or 750 watts of power.

The new section will outlaw bike riding at any sponsored event where the street has been closed to vehicle traffic, such as the Ceres Street Faire or opening night of Christmas Tree Lane.

One provision will allow the Police Department to refer minors 16 years of age or youngers, who violate any part of this ordinance or a related Vehicle Code section, to a bicycle safety course.

Ceres resident Dave Pratt supported the ordinance additions.

“A lot of these bike riders have no respect for pedestrians,” Pratt told the council. He said many times he sees bicyclists expect the pedestrians to move out of their way on sidewalks.

He also noted that many kids on bicycles are not wearing helmets which are required by state law.

John Warren, another Ceres resident, wondered if police would have to see the violation in-person or use video from onboard cameras.

“I have actually captured (video of) these young people and riders coming straight at you in your lane head-on,” said Warren.

Gene Yeakley said the ordinance is far past due and suggested that enforcement would be a low priority of officers.

“This isn’t a low priority,” Johnson told Yeakley, “especially when you have frantic callers calling in on 911 saying that they’re being attacked by a group of bicyclists. So I would disagree with that, and we’ll handle each one of these incidents independently on the facts that are presented.”

The council voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance.