Mesa council approves limited e-bike and scooter access in parks; emphasis on signage and education
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Summary
The council unanimously adopted amendments allowing certain electric bicycles and scooters on shared-use paths and in parks subject to restrictions, with councilmembers calling for clear signage, public education, and enforcement planning.
Mesa's City Council unanimously approved an amendment to park regulations on Jan. 12 allowing certain electric bicycles, scooters and similar micro-mobility devices on shared-use paths and in parks under specified limits.
The change is intended to balance access for users of e-bikes and scooters with pedestrian safety. "How will the new speed limit be displayed? Is there a budget for these speed limit signs? Is someone on staff assigned to make that happen?" asked David Winstanley, a District 6 resident and retired engineering director, urging the city to pair the ordinance with signage and enforcement planning. (David Winstanley, District 6 resident.)
Councilmembers described the ordinance as a first step that will require education and implementation work. Councilmember Adams and others said park rangers and coordination with police and the real-time crime center could assist enforcement, but they acknowledged some enforcement challenges on streets and plazas.
The council voted to approve the park ordinance unanimously and directed staff to follow up on signage, public outreach and enforcement approaches.
What happens next: staff will prepare implementation details including signage, outreach and enforcement plans and return to the council if adjustments are needed.