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Garfield council introduces ordinance to regulate e-bikes and electric scooters, bans use in parks and on sidewalks
Summary
The Garfield Mayor and Council introduced Ordinance 3110 on first reading to regulate e-bikes and electric scooters: helmets required, operation banned on sidewalks and in public parks, with enforcement by the Garfield Police Department and juvenile penalties starting with warnings and possible fines up to $100.
The Garfield Mayor and Council on Nov. 10 introduced an ordinance to regulate electric bicycles and scooters, prohibiting their use on sidewalks and in public parks and requiring helmet use.
City Attorney explained that the ordinance (R-527-25, ordinance 3110) incorporates state statute language and adds local provisions that ban operation on sidewalks and in parks while excluding designated bicycle paths and public pathways. Enforcement would be handled by the Garfield Police Department.
Under the measure, juvenile operators would receive a verbal warning on first offenses and parents or guardians may be notified; repeat juvenile violations could result in fines not exceeding $100 and/or community service. The city attorney said, "If deemed warranted, the juvenile's parent or legal guardian may also be notified. Upon second and subsequent offenses...the juvenile and parents or legal guardians may be liable for a fine not exceeding $100 and/or a period of community services." The ordinance contains a stronger enforcement provision for adult operators.
Council members asked whether upcoming state legislation might preempt parts of the local rule. The city attorney said the city would ensure local language is not inconsistent with any future state law, and the city manager said the city expects some state action that could inform local enforcement.
A motion to introduce the ordinance on first reading carried on roll call. Several members described the measure as "a good starting point" that will likely need refinement. The council set a final hearing for Dec. 9, 2025, at 6 p.m., when members of the public may speak on the ordinance.
The ordinance directs the city clerk to advertise the required public notice and makes the Garfield Police Department responsible for enforcement. The council did not adopt the final ordinance at this meeting; it was introduced on first reading.
