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Police to boost enforcement of e-bike and motorized-bicycle violations; impoundment possible
Summary
Police Chief told council complaints about electric and gas-powered bicycles prompted a boost in enforcement of traffic rules and lighting requirements; the department may impound violating bikes for up to 30 days under city code.
Lincoln Police Chief told the City Council on June 2 that the department has received complaints about electric and gas-powered bicycles traveling at high speeds, ignoring traffic controls and operating without required lighting.
"I've instructed the department to boost enforcement," the chief said, noting officers have issued both city ordinance and state violation citations for unsafe operation. The department has added nighttime enforcement for pedal bicycles and electronic/gas-powered bikes and is tracking enforcement activity on the patrol room board.
If citation-based enforcement does not yield compliance, the chief said the department may begin impounding bicycles found in violation under existing city code. "Our city code provides that if we find a bicycle in violation...we can impound that bicycle for up to 30 days," the chief said, describing impoundment as a compliance tool rather than punishment.
Council members asked whether the vehicles are licensed (they are not) and discussed safety education and enforcement balance. The chief emphasized that riders are subject to traffic laws and that enforcement aims to reduce dangerous behavior and collisions.
Ending: The police department will continue boosted enforcement and may impound bicycles in violation to encourage compliance; no ordinance change was proposed at the meeting.
