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Torrington council approves e‑bike and scooter ordinance on second reading
Summary
On Nov. 18 the council approved an ordinance on second reading updating Torrington’s municipal code to regulate bicycles, skateboards, human‑powered scooters and electric/powered scooters; the ordinance includes lighting requirements and education/helmet provisions and will return for a third reading on Dec. 2.
Torrington’s City Council approved an ordinance on second reading that amends municipal code sections to regulate bicycles, human‑powered scooters, skateboards, electric bicycles and powered scooters.
A staff reading of the ordinance identified specific code sections to be amended, and Chief Matt Johnson outlined several substantive additions the council incorporated after prior discussion: a requirement for headlights and taillights between sunset and sunrise and provisions emphasizing education and helmet use for youth. “I think we have a pretty comprehensive plan here to address the issues that we’re facing at least at this time,” Chief Johnson said.
Council members asked for and received clarifications on penalty language. One council member queried the fines and the ‘costs of prosecution’; Mister Eddington said the additional court cost on citations is $10 and noted that amount is currently set by statute. Councilman Viktram moved to approve the ordinance on second reading; Councilman Warren seconded and the motion passed on a voice vote with no nays. Because this was a second reading, the ordinance will return for its third and final reading at the council’s Dec. 2 meeting before it can be adopted.
The council directed staff to pursue signage and public information so residents understand safety expectations if the ordinance is adopted after the next reading.
