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Resident warns council of high-speed electric bikes; officials say enforcement partnerships could be used
Summary
During public comment on June 23, resident Arnold Rowe urged the council to address dangerous riding by electric-bike users; the mayor said the city will pursue deterrence measures and partnerships with other law enforcement agencies.
Arnold Rowe, a Lebanon City resident, told the council on June 23 that he has experienced multiple close calls with electric-bike riders and urged the city to act. "These people on these electric bikes get up to 55 miles an hour," Rowe said, adding that riders dart in and out of traffic and often lack lights or reflectors.
Mayor Sherry Alcopello acknowledged the safety concern and said police avoid high-speed pursuits but can use other tools, including partnerships with outside law enforcement agencies, to deter risky riding. "We don't chase them because it's too dangerous. But we do have other tools that we've used in the past," she said, and added the city would look into options with partner agencies.
Council comment noted that operators must follow the motor vehicle code; the transcript did not specify any ordinance changes or enforcement plan details. The exchange occurred during the public-comment portion of the June 23 meeting; no formal enforcement action was taken at the meeting.
