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Resident urges council to clarify where scooters and low‑speed e‑bikes may be ridden
Summary
Bruce Wilson told the council he has stopped using local bike trails because children on scooters and low‑speed e‑bikes travel at speeds he described as unsafe and asked the council to consider municipal rules about where such devices can be ridden and safety requirements for under‑18 riders.
During the audience comment period, Bruce Wilson, who said he has lived in Washington 45 years, described safety concerns he has observed on bike trails and sidewalks. "I walk my dog every morning early, and I've had to quit going on the bike trails with him … The kids in the morning are heading to school, and they're on scooters … that come flying by more than 15 miles an hour," Wilson said.
Wilson said he noticed signs at trailheads that prohibit motorized vehicles and asked whether low‑speed e‑bikes and similar devices are covered by existing municipal rules or state law. He cited helmet requirements for riders under 18 and said sidewalk riding is generally restricted unless a municipality authorizes it. "So anyway, I stopped at the police department because I see all these signs at the bike trails, no motorized vehicles… Where can they ride? What are the requirements?" Wilson asked.
Councilmembers and staff responded by saying the comment would be passed to the city clerk and that staff could provide follow‑up; the public comment concluded without immediate policy action.
