Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Space topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council moves to replace boardwalk 'no bikes' ban with 'slow biking' policy, debates definition and enforcement
Summary
Planning committee proposed removing the boardwalk ban and adopting a slow‑biking policy emphasizing yield to pedestrians and signage; council debated enforceability, whether to restrict 'hard‑wheeled' devices, and using pneumatic (air) tires as a definitional test for permitted devices.
Councilors reviewed recommended code edits that would remove language prohibiting bicycles on all boardwalks and replace it with a slow‑biking policy that emphasizes pedestrian right‑of‑way, signage, and limited fines for egregious behavior.
The walkable‑community representative said the committee concluded speed limits and distance rules are difficult to enforce, so the code change focuses on allowing bicycles while advising riders to yield and dismount when necessary. The recommendation also narrows previous device bans by excluding hard‑wheeled devices that cause decking damage; several councilors suggested using pneumatic (air‑filled) tires as the enforceable test to distinguish permitted devices (bicycles, many e‑bikes with pneumatic tires) from small hard‑wheeled scooters and razors.
Councilors repeatedly questioned how the town would enforce a 'slow' standard, with staff and members noting that signage and public education would be the primary tools. Several members said motorized vehicles remain governed by a separate section of code and would not be addressed by this amendment. Staff will revise the draft to include pneumatic‑wheel language and consult the town attorney on enforcement language and fine amounts before return to council.
