South Lyon police issuing e-bike warnings; city working on e-bike ordinance and education

South Lyon police reported ongoing enforcement and education efforts for electric bicycles and said the department is preparing a proposed ordinance to regulate e-bike use in city streets and sidewalks.

Lieutenant Sederle told council officers are issuing warnings to both adult and juvenile operators and that the department is coordinating with the city attorney on draft ordinance language. "We've gotten dozens of warnings and there are no repeat offenders on that warning list," the lieutenant said, adding the department keeps an active list of warnings and that parents of juveniles will be contacted when stops occur.

Council members suggested education as part of a response. Council member Bogart recommended school-based education and public outreach; Council member Kurzweil said many calls come from subdivisions and suggested meeting neighborhood homeowner associations rather than relying only on social media posts. Council member Werkle said he had received feedback that officers issuing warnings rather than tickets was having a positive effect.

Police also discussed potential signage on the rail-trail approaches to the city and said they have discussed signage and enforcement coordination with the city manager. The department’s administrative assistant position was noted as vacant (leaving for another department), which the lieutenant said may affect administrative support during the ordinance drafting process.

Why it matters: E-bike usage and unclear rules for operators have prompted repeated public contacts. The council and police are balancing enforcement (warnings and parent notification) with planned ordinance development and education to reduce unsafe behavior.

Provenance: Lieutenant Sederle reported enforcement activity and described coordination with the city attorney; council members offered outreach and signage suggestions.