Students at Newport Harbor High and Corona del Mar High must complete a California Highway Patrol online safety course this summer before they can ride an e-bike or bicycle to school under a new district policy taking effect for the 2026-27 school year.
Newport-Mesa Unified School District published a step-by-step reminder on Tuesday, July 7, outlining the requirements under Board Policy 5142.04. Both Newport Beach high schools posted the same instructions on their websites the same day.
Here's what high school students (grades 9-12) must do:
- Complete the CHP Electric Bicycle Safety and Training Course online.
- Pass the CHP Electric Bicycle Safety Quiz using their NMUSD Google account.
- Pick up a permit sticker at school registration in August.
No sticker, no riding to campus.
Students at Ensign Intermediate and all transitional kindergarten through 8th grade campuses face a stricter rule: e-bikes and e-motos are banned outright on school property. Ensign students who ride a traditional bicycle must still complete the CHP Bicycle Safety Course and quiz with their NMUSD login, then collect a permit sticker at registration.
The policy replaces the district's previous system, which used Pedal Ace for online training and Project 529 for bike registration. Under the new framework, all training runs through CHP courses, and the permit sticker replaces the old shield decal.
Three campus rules apply to every rider at every grade level: helmets are mandatory, bikes must be walked on campus, and e-bikes must be charged at home. School outlets are off-limits for charging.
According to the district's July 7 reminder, students who violate the rules risk having their permits revoked. Infractions include riding without a visible permit placard, riding on campus instead of walking the bike, and blocking entry or exit areas.
Elementary students (TK-6) are not required to complete an online course or obtain a permit. They will receive age-appropriate safety training through the Walk 'N Rollers program during the school day. Only traditional bicycles are allowed for that age group.
The district has not published specific registration dates for Newport Harbor High or Corona del Mar High. Families can contact the Student Services Department at 714-424-5016 for exact dates.
A bike safety flyer is available in English, Spanish, and Russian on the district's website. Families should confirm their student's NMUSD Google account access before attempting the quiz, since the system requires that specific login to record completion.
