Citing a Lack of Any Real Enforcement, the Resolution Will Be Considered for Approval by the Venice Neighborhood Council
By Nick Antonicello
The Oceanfront Walk Committee of the Venice Neighborhood Council once again is seeking enforcement of existing rules and regulations of the operation of these popular modes of transportation, especially by tourists who visit the beach.
Resolutions such as these have been previously approved, but little if any progress has been made as most committee members agreed a lack of violations enforcement evident.
The motion passed 8-0-1.
One of the concerns is the co-mingling of motorized and non-motorized bicycles and scooters on the winding bike path that extends through Venice to Santa Monica.
Board discussion centered primarily on a lack of enforcement, which results in dual-riding of these vehicles as well as illegal riding along the boardwalk which is dedicated primarily for pedestrians, individuals with baby strollers and those confined to wheelchairs.
The motion emphasized the threat to “pedestrians, locals and tourists,” and that a high probability of these riders being uninsured.
All committee members were concerned that existing signage is “obscured and ineffective,” and that a “collaboration between vendors and law enforcement is necessary” if the situation is to be contained and controlled this summer.
The resolution is asking that the office of LA City Councilwoman Traci Park (CD-11) and LAPD “enforce the relevant ordinances and keep all motorized vehicles, including electric scooters, Segways, and e-bikes off the Bike Path & OFW.”
The motion was initially crafted by VNC Vice-President Jim Robb for consideration who was in attendance and is a former OFW member and chair.
The problem however is the volume of these scooters and e-bikes that are in the hundreds, if not higher and many boardwalk retailers & merchants rent these items that are popular with tourists and locals alike.
Discussion was then entertained about the construction of a separate, e-bike path only access that could be subsidized by scooter vendors or by any available funding that could be expended in lieu of upgrading, restoring and renovating Ocean Front Walk in lieu of the 2028 Summer Olympics where Venice will be a point of interest during this 17-day international extravaganza. Sean Silva, the Venice Deputy for CD-11 said he would investigate possible funding options for Venice after bringing this issue to the Councilwoman’s attention.
Also discussed was “real violations enforcement” that if implemented would drastically drive down the volume of illegal use of these vehicles.
The OFW Committee is a standing committee of the Venice Neighborhood Council and is Co-Chaired by Deborah Keaton and Nico Ruderman. Other members include myself, Noel Johnston, Colleen Saro, Mehrnoosh Mojallali, Clark Brown, Mark Rago and Fran Soloman.
Also in attendance was VNC President Brian Averill, Community Officer Steve Bradbury and Outreach Chair Erica Moore as the meeting was adjourned at approximately 7:30 PM.
The OFW meets monthly at the Rose Room at 6 Rose Avenue at the beach, beginning at 6:30 PM.
Visit www.venicenc.org for future meeting dates and agenda items.
Nick Antonicello is a thirty-one year resident of Venice and covers the deliberations of the Venice Neighborhood Council. Have a take or tip all things Venice? Contact the author via e-mail at nantoni@mindspring.com
