Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Bicycle Safety And Regulation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Marshfield committee reviews bicycle ordinance, flags outdated curfew and wording on control and sidewalks
Summary
The Marshfield Parks, Recreation and Forestry Committee reviewed a short city bicycle ordinance and discussed updating dated provisions—including an under-12 9 p.m. restriction, a two-handed control rule and sidewalk exceptions—before referring language changes to staff for legal review.
The Marshfield Parks, Recreation and Forestry Committee on Jan. 8 reviewed the city’s bicycle ordinance and identified multiple provisions committee members described as outdated or unclear.
Committee member Natasha said the document included seemingly arbitrary rules — for example, a provision that persons under age 12 may not ride a bicycle after 9 p.m. — and asked whether the restriction was actually a curfew or something carried over from older code. "To me, it seems a little arbitrary to say if you're under the age of 12 you can't be on a bike after 9 p.m.," Natasha said.
Justin, speaking as parks staff, said the department shared the ordinance packet at Natasha’s request but noted the department lacks jurisdiction over streets and sidewalks and that the ordinance may be more appropriately handled by police, engineering or planning. "I would assume this is more of a police or transportation, maybe engineering or planning document, not really a park and rec thing," Justin said.
Members also questioned a rule that requires riders to keep one hand on the handlebars. One committee member suggested replacing prescriptive language with a general duty to maintain control. "So I’m wondering if maybe rewording that just to say operate in a safe manner," that member said. The committee discussed sidewalk restrictions and a cross-reference in the ordinance to an "administrative code of traffic and parking regulations" that members found unclear for the public.
Committee members asked staff to check whether specific provisions — including single-file requirements, sidewalk exceptions in downtown areas and the under-12 time restriction — reflect state law or are local rules. Justin said staff will look into statutory references and coordination with other departments. The group also discussed e-bikes and trail speeds; staff reported few complaints but one member said they had received a single report of a rider passing others too quickly.
Natasha recommended staff work with legal counsel (referred to in the meeting as HAP) to redline proposed language so the committee could review a legally vetted draft. "I would work with HAP to change the language just to make sure it was legal," she said. The committee did not take formal action on the ordinance at the meeting and asked members to email suggested edits.
Next steps: staff will prepare a redlined draft, consult legal counsel as needed, and circulate revisions to the committee for comment before any formal council referral or ordinance change.
