Committee considers banning motorized bikes and scooters from sidewalks; enforcement challenge noted

Council members discussed a referral to prohibit motorized, non-human-powered vehicles on sidewalks, with the initial focus on downtown walking areas. Members cited multiple near-miss incidents, including a video that showed a rider running a red light and narrowly missing pedestrians. One member described the clip: "you can see the little bleep of a bike going by with a kid on the bike just ran a light and ran right by." The committee emphasized removing motorized vehicles from sidewalks first and said they would consult existing New York State vehicle-and-traffic law to make sure local language covers e-bikes, motorized kits, and non-assisted electric scooters without impeding mobility devices used by people with disabilities.