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Council to introduce ordinance targeting motor‑vehicle use of bike lanes; draft includes fines and defines micromobility
Summary
Councilmembers discussed an ordinance to prohibit parking or standing in bike lanes on city streets and to allow citations for violations. The draft (proposed Ordinance 25‑06) defines bike lanes, includes micromobility devices and proposes a tiered fine structure; implementation on state roads would require coordination with county or state.
The College Park City Council on May 20 discussed a draft ordinance to prohibit motor vehicles from stopping or parking in city bike lanes and to authorize city enforcement and penalties.
The proposed legislation would amend Chapter 184 (Vehicle and Traffic), Article 2 (Parking Regulations), with a specific provision prohibiting parking or standing in marked bike lanes on city streets and a companion amendment to Chapter 110 to set penalties. City Attorney Anderson and Director of Public Services Mr. Coker presented the draft and described implementation considerations.
Key points in the draft
- Definition and coverage: The draft establishes a definition for “bike lane” and explicitly includes micromobility devices in the definition of vehicles that use bike lanes (bicycles, e‑scooters and similar low‑speed human or electric‑powered devices). The ordinance, as drafted, applies to city streets and thoroughfares; enforcement on county or state roadways would require additional interjurisdictional agreements or broader county/state action.
- Penalties: The draft proposes a tiered fine schedule for violations on city streets. The city attorney reported a proposed initial fine of $100, a step up to $200 if unpaid within 31 calendar days and a subsequent level (reported during the discussion as $210) if further collection actions are required. The attorney noted comparable fines in other jurisdictions and said the schedule was drafted to provide meaningful deterrence while mirroring enforcement practices used elsewhere.
- Enforcement practicalities: Councilmembers raised practical questions about enforcement. Some members asked whether contract police can issue city ordinance tickets on state or county roads; staff said the city’s authority over those roads is limited and that coordinated action or county adoption would be needed to cover state or county rights‑of‑way such as much of Baltimore Avenue (Route 1). Staff said parking officers and code officers could address some city locations, but consistent enforcement on state roads requires additional agreements.
Council feedback and next steps
Councilmember Whitney, who requested the review, said the measure is intended to improve bike‑lane safety and to encourage better driver behavior. Several councilmembers supported the proposal while asking staff to refine language on definitions, covered device types (for example, three‑wheel micromobility devices) and the jurisdictional reach of enforcement. Staff confirmed they will revise the draft to ensure signage and pavement markings align with the ordinance language.
Because many of the most‑affected bike lanes are on roadways under state or county control, staff said the city will pursue implementation for city streets immediately and coordinate with county and state partners as appropriate. The draft ordinance is scheduled for formal introduction at a future council meeting.
Ending
Councilmembers generally supported moving the ordinance forward. Staff will return with a formal introduction and refined language after coordinating implementation details with the police contract and county/state authorities as needed.
