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Fruita council adopts 2024 model traffic code to cover e-bikes, scooters and vulnerable road users
Summary
The Fruita City Council voted 5-0 to adopt an ordinance updating Chapter 10.04 of the Fruita Municipal Code to the 2024 model traffic code. City staff said the change brings local ordinances into alignment with statewide standards, clarifies pedestrian enforcement and recognizes newer mobility modes such as e-bikes and scooters.
Fruita Mayor Bremen and the City Council on March 4 adopted an ordinance amending Chapter 10.04 of the Fruita Municipal Code to reference the 2024 model traffic code, a move staff said will update local traffic rules and enforcement to current statewide standards.
City Manager Shannon Boston told the council the update recognizes new modes of transport and modernizes language on pedestrian hazards and move-over requirements. "The purpose is to make sure we're up to date on current standards," Boston said, explaining the city had been operating on the 2010 model code and had discussed the update repeatedly since December.
The ordinance brings definitions for e-bikes, electric scooters, autocycles and other emerging mobility devices into the municipal code, clarifies when officers may act on pedestrian behavior that creates a hazard and adjusts language related to washing or otherwise contaminating storm drains. Boston said the move-over law in the new code is expanded and that the 2024 code recognizes "vulnerable road users" beyond traditional pedestrians and bicyclists.
Chief Dave Krause of the Fruita Police Department indicated support for the changes during the meeting; council members then moved and seconded the ordinance on second reading and approved it by a 5-0 vote.
Nut graf: The update affects routine enforcement and public safety on Fruita streets by incorporating newer mobility devices and clarifying enforcement standards that staff said the department could not reliably apply under the older 2010 model code.
Background and next steps: Boston said the item has been before council multiple times since August and had been continued from prior readings to refine language on two contested sections. She noted that adopting the 2024 model code is done by reference and that the city retains the ability to add local modifications. The council approved the ordinance on second reading with no additional public comment and no amendments at the vote.
Votes at a glance: Ordinance 2025-02, an ordinance amending Chapter 10.04 of the Fruita Municipal Code to adopt the 2024 model traffic code — Motion to adopt passed 5-0 (Yes: Councilor Parrish; Councilor Purser; Councilor Downs; Councilor Miller; Councilor Williams).
Ending: Staff said it will publish the ordinance and continue to work with police and public outreach to clarify changes to residents and local enforcement partners.
