Resident warns council of repeated red-light violations by trucks, raises e-bike safety concerns

Andrew West, a Medina City School Board member and Medina resident, told the Medina City Council at the meeting that he has repeatedly observed vehicles — including large semi trucks — running red lights and stop signs near Sturbridge and Route 3 and said he is worried for children who walk to nearby schools.

"Three times in the last 8 weeks, I've stopped at Sturbridge and Route 3. And three times, I've seen large semi trucks literally go through a red light," West said. He described frequent stop-sign violations in neighborhood streets and said he has seen electric scooters and e-bikes ridden at high speed and without helmets, including a young man doing wheelies repeatedly.

The remarks drew a response from Chief Kenny of the Medina Police Department, who reiterated the city's interpretation of rules for e-bikes and scooters. "The e-bikes, most people are complaining about the e-bikes being on the sidewalk. And, really, that's the only regulation that we have, that the e‑[bike] sidewalk if they're on electric power, correct," Chief Kenny said, and then clarified: "So they can only pedal. It has to be human power, and they're allowed on the sidewalks just like a regular bicycle. They're allowed to operate the bikes on the roadway under electric power, but they also have to follow all the rules of the road."

West asked the council and police to "take a hard look" at the patterns he's observed, citing repeated risky behavior in the morning and afternoon when children are traveling to and from school. Chief Kenny's comments clarified current enforcement limits but the council did not vote or direct specific new enforcement measures during the meeting.

The exchange occurred during the public comment portion of the council meeting. No formal follow-up motion or staff assignment was recorded on the council minutes during the session.