Council to review bicycle rules after officers cite sidewalk riding; 'Joe's Law' repeal proposed
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Summary
Council members discussed repealing a local ordinance that restricted riding bicycles on sidewalks and asked the police chief and city solicitor to provide input. Members noted the Ohio Revised Code governs bicycle operation and some city code provisions may be redundant.
Ironton councilors discussed repealing local restrictions on where bicycles may be ridden after police cited a resident for riding in the street rather than on the sidewalk.
A proposed repeal (listed as "repealing City Of Firestone codified ordinance 4 74.06") was placed on the agenda for discussion. Councilmember Nathan (referred to as "Nate" in the transcript) asked for three readings and suggested inviting Police Chief Johnson to provide input. Meeting discussion cited safety for children and that some streets lack sidewalks, which affects where riders may legally operate.
Council members referenced the Ohio Revised Code during the discussion; one speaker said the ORC establishes that, in municipalities without bicycle lanes, bicycles may operate on the roadway and must follow traffic laws. A councilor said those ORC provisions could render the local ordinance redundant and that repealing it might avoid confusing residents and officers.
Next steps
Council asked the solicitor to prepare ordinance language and invited the police chief to attend a future meeting so the council can consider the chief's operational input before scheduling additional readings. Council members requested the solicitor provide the ordinance text and the chief's recommendations for the next meeting.
Ending
No repeal was adopted at the Dec. 12 meeting. Council agreed to more detailed review and to schedule the chief's input and three readings if the solicitor and chief recommend proceeding.