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Council keeps proposed rules for motorcycles and e-bikes on sidewalks under discussion
Summary
Two draft ordinances that would restrict motorcycles, motorized bicycles and some electric bikes on public sidewalks were left on the discussion agenda while staff prepares clarifying amendments in response to public and council comments.
The Davenport City Council kept two related public-safety ordinance items under discussion after councilors and staff flagged the need for clearer language on where motorcycles, motorized bicycles and electric bikes could be used.
The ordinances under consideration would amend chapter 10.68 (miscellaneous rules) to add restrictions on motorcycles and motorized bicycles on public sidewalks, and chapter 10.84 (bicycles) to add definitions and restrictions covering electric bicycles. The items were discussed under the public safety portion of the meeting and were not advanced to the consent agenda; council members requested draft amendments and clearer language.
Alderman McGinnis said she had questions about the draft and that some provisions were unclear, including how the ordinance would treat someone who is walking a bike on a sidewalk. “It seemed to say, it says you can't ride on public sidewalks which I completely understand but then it says if you're on it there was something about if you're on a sidewalk it's like you can't be on a sidewalk. So that was a little bit of a question for me as well,” McGinnis said.
A staff member told the council that multiple communications from the public and at least one councilor were received and that suggested language changes would be prepared. “I will have suggested amendments based on those comments to further clarify,” the staff member said, and anticipated providing a first draft of amendments by the end of the week.
Later in the meeting Alderman Tim Dunn moved to place most public-safety items on the consent agenda while keeping the motorcycle and e-bike sidewalk items on discussion; the motion passed by voice vote.
Councilors did not adopt final ordinance language at the meeting. Staff will bring back a revised draft with clearer definitions and specific edits responding to the comments that were submitted.
