The Transportation Committee voted 4-0 on Oct. 13 to recommend that the Common Council allow bicycles and e-bikes on sidewalks in most places but prohibit their use on sidewalks where businesses abut the sidewalk at points of ingress and egress.

Staff presented options ranging from status quo (allowing e-bikes on sidewalks) to banning bikes on sidewalks citywide. After discussing enforceability and public safety, staff recommended a measured approach: continue to allow bike and e-bike sidewalk access except where business ingress/egress places pedestrians and riders into frequent conflict.

The committee’s motion, adopted by roll call (Armstrong, Merrick, Hartman and Martin voting “aye”), implements that recommendation. The committee and police said enforcement would focus on high-conflict locations and public education rather than broad criminal enforcement. The police department indicated it would use warnings and citations and support a community communications plan if the ordinance is adopted by council.

Chief of Police (name not specified) told the committee that some e-bikes can travel at speeds that make sidewalk operation dangerous: “Some of these e bikes can travel 25, 30 miles an hour on the sidewalk,” he said, and added the department favors targeted enforcement for high-conflict areas. Staff noted that electric scooters already are prohibited on sidewalks by city ordinance.

Why it matters: E-bikes' increasing speed and power have raised safety concerns in downtown and other pedestrian-heavy areas. The committee’s recommendation creates a targeted limit intended to reduce pedestrian conflict while preserving access for people who need assisted propulsion in areas with steep grades or limited bike lanes.

What comes next: The committee’s recommendation will be forwarded to the Common Council for final action. Staff and police said they plan public outreach explaining where sidewalk use will be restricted and how enforcement will proceed if council adopts the change.