The Keene City Council adopted a new ordinance regulating bicycles and other personal mobility devices within the downtown core and on designated bike lanes and multi‑use paths, voting 8–7 after an amendment lowered a proposed 10 miles‑per‑hour maximum to 8 mph.

Councilor Mitchell H. Greenwald, sponsor of the measure at second reading, described the ordinance as an anticipatory step tied to the downtown infrastructure project: the change would create rules for “bike lanes or multi use paths” and for devices with motors, with a stated intent to promote pedestrian safety in the downtown core. Greenwald said the proposal grew from the Bicycle Pedestrian Path Committee and MSFI committee work.

The council debated enforcement feasibility and scope. Councilor Thomas F. Powers and others urged adoption and education ahead of construction; Councilor Robert C. Williams and other opponents said the motor restriction and speed limits could be overly broad and are difficult to enforce. Councilor Williams warned the motor restriction could have unintended effects for cargo bikes and families who rely on electric assist. Councilor Edward J. Haas supported changing the cap to 8 mph to “call attention” to the new rules.

An amendment to change the speed cap from 10 to 8 mph passed on a voice/count vote and the full ordinance was adopted on a roll call (8 yes, 7 no). The ordinance applies to the downtown core zoning district and to bike lanes/multi‑use paths specified in the text; some provisions (such as prohibiting bicycles from being parked to obstruct public use) were expressed as applying citywide. The council and staff said they will pursue an education campaign before and after construction, but acknowledged enforcement will be challenging.

Councilors and staff said the ordinance is intended to be revisited as the bike lanes are built and as the city gains operating experience.