Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Sidewalks topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council Adopts Downtown Sidewalk Ban for Certain Vehicles, Effective April 26
Summary
Council adopted Ordinance 25‑1 to prohibit bicycles and other specified devices on designated downtown sidewalks, directing staff to post signage and to use the 30‑day period before enforcement for public education.
The Bristol City Council adopted Ordinance 25‑1 on March 25 prohibiting certain vehicles and devices on specified sidewalks in downtown Bristol.
Don Richardson, a resident who spoke during the second reading, urged coordinated signage with Bristol, Tennessee so visitors and shoppers would know where riding is not allowed. "If we had signage on State Street in regards to this, I think it would bring the pedestrians peace of mind," Richardson said.
City staff said state law requires signage where the prohibition applies and that signage would be installed before the ordinance goes into effect. The ordinance was narrowed to focus on the downtown area—State Street (Commonwealth Avenue to Martin Luther King Boulevard), portions of Piedmont Avenue, Lee Street, Moore Street, and Cumberland Street—after last meeting's discussion.
Councilmembers cited safety concerns for pedestrians and acknowledged tradeoffs because some bicyclists will have to use vehicle lanes once the ordinance is enforced. The city manager noted the ordinance includes a 30‑day period before it takes effect, giving staff time to educate the public; staff said the law would go into effect April 26, 2025 if the ordinance is adopted that night.
The council voted to adopt the ordinance (roll call affirmative). Staff said enforcement would begin with warnings and educational outreach, with ticketing likely reserved for repeat offenders.
