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University Park council adopts expanded e-bike rules, sets 30 mph cap and older helmet requirement
Summary
Council approved a drafted ordinance expanding e-bike rules: an objective 30 mph speed cap, driver's license requirement for operators, mandatory factory safety equipment, PD inspection/permit decals, and raising mandatory helmet use to under 21. The vote was unanimous at the Nov. 19 meeting.
The University Park City Council on Nov. 19 adopted an ordinance expanding city rules for electric bicycles, setting a specific 30 mph speed limit for e-bikes, requiring operators to hold a valid driver's license for city operation, and increasing the mandatory helmet age from under 16 to under 21.
Police Chief Bill Mathis presented the draft ordinance and said the department's stepped enforcement approach—public education, warnings and then citations—yielded about 81 warnings and 49 citations since the original ordinance. The department also developed an e-bike safety course that judges may require for some defendants. "I propose that... the ordinance contain a provision where a driver's license, a valid driver's license, is required to operate the electric bicycle in the city," Mathis said, and he described a proposed decal system for inspected bikes.
Key provisions adopted include a fixed 30 mph objective limit for e-bikes, inspection and permit decals issued by the police department after officers verify required equipment, and the helmet requirement raised so riders under 21 must wear a helmet. Mathis said the changes were prompted by practical enforcement experience and safety concerns.
Council action: Mayor Pro Tem Mark Aldridge moved approval of item 24272 and Bob Myers seconded. Council members recorded aye votes and the ordinance passed.
What happens next: Staff will prepare the final ordinance language for publication and implementation; the police department will continue its education and enforcement program and roll out the inspection/decal process.
Quote: "It would be set at a strict, clear 30 miles per hour," Chief Bill Mathis said of the proposed speed provision.
Speakers: Police Chief Bill Mathis (presentation); Mayor Pro Tem Mark Aldridge and Council Member Bob Myers (motion and second); Mayor Tommy Stewart (presiding).
