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Council declines Traeger signal but orders RRFB crosswalk; directs staff to draft e-bike sidewalk ordinance near buildings
Summary
Staff told the Transportation Committee the Common Council voted against installing traffic signals at Traeger Elementary but will widen the driveway and have the city add rapid-flashing beacons; council also directed staff to draft an ordinance to prohibit e-bikes on sidewalks abutting buildings.
City staff reported to the Transportation Committee that the Common Council opted not to install traffic signals at Traeger Elementary's east driveway and West 20th despite multiple studies indicating a need. Staff said the school district instead plans to widen the driveway and the city will install rectangular rapid-flashing beacons (RRFB) at the crosswalk.
"The council voted 3 to 1 against installing the traffic signals at East Driveway at Traeger Elementary," staff reported. Staff said in lieu of a signal the city will fund RRFBs as a city project, using bike and pedestrian capital funds.
On a separate safety and regulatory matter, staff said the council unanimously directed them to draft an ordinance prohibiting e-bikes on sidewalks abutting buildings, following a committee recommendation. Staff explained that current state statute allows municipalities to regulate e-scooters on sidewalks and some streets but does not yet let municipalities treat e-bikes differently from pedal bicycles. Chief Smith (as reported by staff) said once any ordinance is enacted the department will work to educate the public.
Next steps: the Traeger crosswalk RRFB installation will be scheduled as a city project and the draft e-bike ordinance will be prepared for future council consideration and public education by police after enactment.
Sources: staff presentation to the Transportation Committee, as reported during the November 11 meeting.
