Bike and e-bike riders, organizers ask council for clear rules after arrests and confrontations downtown

Scotty Joseph, owner of Scotty’s Bikes, said that for the past two weeks police have approached and in some cases knocked riders off bicycles during a social ride that leaves Market Square Park, and that several people were arrested. Joseph asked the council to provide clear guidance so organizers can pass rules to participants.

Joseph said one rider was knocked off a bike and now faces a second-degree felony charge; he said officers have also chased riders and accosted people who were recording. “We’re trying to figure out what the deal is, and the reason why I’m here is to find out what exactly is the problem, how can we fix it, and how can we move forward,” he said.

Council members and staff discussed traffic rules for cyclists. Councilmember Pollard and others said the transportation rules of the road apply to bicycles and urged the riding groups to share any video evidence with council offices so staff can confer with the Houston Police Department’s cycle team. Councilmember Davis and the mayor pro tem encouraged the organizer to provide contact information so staff could coordinate a follow-up with HPD.

Separately, a group seeking a motorcyclist day of remembrance sought a proclamation and discussed planning a ride on Oct. 5; council staff said the mayor was supportive and directed organizers to coordinate logistics with the mayor’s office and HPD.

Council members did not adopt a new ordinance at the meeting. They asked organizers to submit video evidence and contact information so city staff and HPD can seek a coordinated approach for public safety and clarity on enforcement during large group rides.