Council unanimously approves Vulnerable User Protection Ordinance

The Sebastopol City Council on January 15th took the final step needed by voting unanimously to ratify its December vote in favor of the ordinance. In so doing, Sebastopol became the first Sonoma County municipality to offer these increased protections from harassment for people walking and bicycling. Please let the Council know how much you appreciate their leadership by writing to them at the following email addresses:

Mayor Michael Kyes
Vice Mayor Robert Jacob
Patrick Slayter
Sarah Glade Gurney
John Eder

This is an incredible step toward a safer, more respectful environment for everyone, and Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition commends the Sebastopol City Council for its leadership.

Background: 

On Tuesday, December 18th, the Sebastopol City Council held a public hearing on SCBC's proposed Vulnerable User Protection Ordinance. Council chambers were packed with at least two dozen supporters of the ordinance, which will add civil protections for people who are harassed while bicycling or walking in Sebastopol.

We are thrilled to report that Council voted unanimously to "pass the first reading of" the ordinance, and to "waive further reading" of it. Translation: each Council member has voted in support of the ordinance; the item will be on Council's consent calendar in January, when Council is expected to ratify the vote.

Read the Press Democrat coverage

The Council also agreed that Mayor Michael Kyes would send a letter to the Mayor of each city in Sonoma County, and the Chair of the Board of Supervisors recommending each jurisdiction follow Sebastopol's example.

Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition commends the City of Sebastopol for leading a countywide movement to Protect Us All!

Thanks to everyone who showed up to support the Vulnerable User Protection Ordinance in Sebastopol. SCBC continues to work with all jurisdictions to bring these protections to everyone who bikes, walks, uses a wheelchair, jogs, or skates in Sonoma County!

Remember, Sonoma County Bicycle Coalition cannot do this work without your support. Please donate now to our end-of-the-year fund drive. Thank you!