Carmel council approves broader multiuse-path rules, defines micromobility and raises penalties

The Carmel Common Council on Monday approved changes to city code that add definitions and new enforcement tools aimed at motorized devices and equipment blocking sidewalks and multiuse paths.

The ordinance (fifth reading of Ord. D-27-69-25) amends Chapter 6, Article 4, Section 6-63 to add a definition of “equipment,” incorporate class 1–3 electric bicycles into the code, introduce a placeholder definition for “micromobility,” and add a speed-based restriction for devices on sidewalks and multiuse paths. The council voted to approve the amended ordinance 9-0 after amending one line to remove the word “authorized” from a lawnmower exception.

The changes come after months of committee work and recent public complaints about electric dirt bikes and other motorized devices on the Monon and other paths. Councilor Snyder, chair of the Land Use and Special Studies Committee, said the committee amended the section comprehensively to reflect current devices and enforcement challenges and to create a framework that can be refined later.…