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Council and staff discuss sidewalks, school crossings and bike lanes as scooters and faster e-bikes raise safety concerns
Summary
Councilmembers raised safety concerns about children and pedestrians encountering faster electric scooters and bikes on sidewalks, discussed pilot bike‑lane striping from the county health department, and asked staff to study crossing and traffic calming options near schools.
Councilmembers and staff spent a portion of the Sept. 10 meeting discussing pedestrian safety, school crossings and bike lanes after multiple residents and councilmembers raised concerns about faster electric scooters and e-bikes operating on sidewalks used by children.
Councilmembers described reports that children sometimes prefer to ride in the street because they feel unsafe on sidewalks when e‑scooters or e‑bikes travel at higher speeds. Several members asked staff to investigate options that could reduce sidewalk speed conflicts, improve school crossing safety, and clarify enforcement authority.
Public works and planning staff reported they had received a temporary paint trial from the county health department for a bike lane marking on 2600 South/3200 South and had posted test markings and signage to gather data on speeds and behaviors. Staff said the county’s striping was temporary and would fade; they are collecting observations and speed data to determine whether a permanent bike lane is feasible at reasonable cost.
School crossing improvements were also discussed. Councilmembers said moving a crosswalk had improved safety in one spot; staff said they are exploring additional measures, including targeted signage, marked crossings, and time‑limited traffic controls (for example, right‑turn restrictions during peak school drop‑off and pick‑up). The city is also coordinating with the canal/corridor trail planning and nearby subdivisions on trail alignments rather than building duplicative facilities.
Ending: Councilmembers asked staff to return with options and cost estimates for crossing improvements near schools, further data on the temporary bike‑lane trial, and recommendations for addressing sidewalk e‑scooter and e‑bike safety among children.
