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Council advances draft e‑bike rules for sidewalks to second reading, asks staff to refine speed and enforcement language
Summary
After a lengthy safety‑focused discussion and public comment, council voted unanimously to move a draft ordinance that would permit electric bicycles on sidewalks (with conditions) to a second reading. Council asked staff to lower the sidewalk speed cap from the draft 15 mph to 10 mph and to add clearer enforcement language and pedestrian‑safety
The council advanced a first‑reading ordinance that, if adopted, would permit electric bicycles (e‑bikes) on town sidewalks under specified conditions. The ordinance would define electric bicycles consistent with state law, require operators to yield to pedestrians, require audible signaling before passing, and direct riders to travel with the direction of traffic when a sidewalk exists on both sides of a roadway.
Council deliberations focused on safety and enforcement: members and the public urged lower speeds, clearer passing protocols and stronger signage and education. Staff said the town would check with Lee County about signage and sidewalk markings and would work with sheriff’s deputies and the town’s ranger/code team on an enforcement protocol. Council asked staff to return with language reducing the sidewalk speed cap from 15 mph to 10 mph and to add a concise “courtesy/passing” clause to codify expected behavior when approaching a pedestrian.
Public comment was mixed: retailers and some residents urged measures that allow e‑bikes (to reduce vehicle use and support local businesses); others — including several neighbors and longtime cyclists — warned that e‑bikes at high speed are unsafe on crowded sidewalks and urged strict speed limits and strong enforcement.
Council action: Motion to advance the ordinance to second reading with staff to refine speed limit and enforcement language — APPROVED unanimously. Second reading date set; staff will prepare draft revisions and seek county input on signage.
