Bryan council holds first reading of e-scooter rules as resident urges cleanup of gravel-damaged streets

Bryan City Council on April 21 held a first reading of an ordinance to regulate low-speed micro-mobility devices, including e-scooters and certain low-speed electric bicycles, and heard a lengthy public comment from a Huntington Drive resident urging the city to remove gravel and inspect damaged roadways.

The ordinance (Ordinance number 19 20 25) would create Chapter 377 of the city code to define and regulate “low-speed micro mobility devices.” Council members emphasized safety provisions in the draft: devices would not be allowed on streets or highways with posted speed limits above 25 mph; typical e-scooter operation would be capped at 20 mph; lights and adherence to traffic rules would be required; and carrying passengers would be prohibited. The ordinance text also applies to e-bikes and single-wheel devices that meet the ordinance’s technical definition. Council requested a second reading so staff, legal counsel and police could review details and community feedback before final action.

The item matters to residents and enforcement agencies because it clarifies where and how growing numbers of micro-mobility devices may be used and places enforcement responsibility with the Bryan Police Department. Council members said the limits are intended to keep devices off faster streets and to address complaints about multiple riders, one-handed operation and unsafe behavior on sidewalks and roadways.

Public comment before the ordinance hearing centered on neighborhood maintenance. Steve Cox of Huntington Drive told the council that much of the loose gravel placed on roads during winter remains in front yards and that South Court has significant pavement breakage. “The majority of the gravel is off Huntington Drive from Eastland Estates,” Cox said, adding that the gravel that was plowed into front yards “needs to be vacuumed up.” City staff said they will follow up and that larger resurfacing work is scheduled for July; staff also described maintenance procedures and the limits of available equipment for sweeping gravel.

Council members discussed related permitting and enforcement questions: whether the ordinance’s speed-limit restriction could limit some routes to schools or parks; how the police should enforce equipment and lighting requirements; and whether the ordinance’s device definitions are broad enough to cover three-wheeled or single-wheel devices. One council member asked that the draft be circulated to the police and legal departments before the second reading so parents and other residents can be notified of any new restrictions.

The ordinance was read for first consideration only; council directed staff to schedule a second reading and to provide clarifications requested during the meeting.

Less-critical agenda items included routine department reports and announcements from the mayor about community promotions, the Chamber director’s retirement open house and upcoming special-election voting dates.