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Council weighs pedestrian beacons and education as e-bikes and scooters raise safety concerns
Summary
Councilors and staff discussed options to improve safety at a busy Westminster–Dallas crosswalk (including a rectangular rapid-flashing beacon) and debated enforcement and education around e-bikes, electric scooters and golf carts; staff recommended community education and a targeted engineering solution for the crossing.
Alderson Sluder brought resident concerns about pedestrian safety at the Westminster–Dallas crosswalk near school routes and asked staff for options. City staff explained that the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) does not recommend certain pedestrian signage for two-lane roads but that a rectangular rapid-flashing beacon (RRFB) could be appropriate at a mid-block crossing; staff cautioned about cost and site suitability.
Councilors supported examining the RRFB option and agreed that community education is necessary. City staff suggested proactive education for motorists and students about crosswalk laws and stopping for pedestrians.
Councilors also spent substantial time on motorized bikes, e-bikes, electric scooters and golf carts. Sergeant Brian Simpson and council members noted that legal distinctions depend on wattage/cc thresholds and state law, making local enforcement complicated. Alderson McIntyre urged a strong education push and said parishioners often report scooters and e-bikes creating hazards; Alderson Martin emphasized education over additional local ordinances unless necessary. The mayor and staff indicated a separate committee discussion on golf carts is planned for October.
No ordinance decisions were made; staff will study the RRFB option for the crosswalk and pursue community education and possible future committee review on vehicle classifications and golf carts.
