Council limits riding on downtown sidewalks, sets 15 mph cap for shared-use paths in e-bike ordinance

The Whitefish City Council on April 20 adopted Ordinance 26-05 updating motor-vehicle and street codes to address e-bikes, self-balancing devices and other motorized micromobility devices.

Bridger (staff) told the council the update modernizes Title 6 in coordination with the Bicycle & Pedestrian Committee and sets a 15-mile-per-hour speed limit on shared-use paths. "15 miles per hour," Bridger said when asked to confirm the path speed standard. The ordinance also prohibits riding on downtown sidewalks in a concentrated central area (Central Avenue between the railroad and Third Street) where pedestrian density and storefront access create the most conflicts.

During public comment, Richard Hilder of 104th Street warned that high-powered, self-balancing minibikes and other motorized vehicles are already operating on sidewalks and shared-use paths and said enforcement will be challenging. "They pick up speed… I'm afraid somebody's going to get hurt," he said. Council members and staff acknowledged enforcement limits and noted the city nd police have issued warnings and citations in recent months, including a juvenile prosecution referenced in council discussion.

Council members debated where limits should apply and the difficulty of patrolling every sidewalk; they emphasized signage, outreach to schools and targeted enforcement downtown rather than a city-wide sidewalk ban. The council voted unanimously to adopt the ordinance.

What to expect: signage will be installed and staff said they would coordinate outreach with schools and the police department to clarify where bikes and motorized devices are permitted, and to explain the 15 mph speed limit on shared-use paths. Police will continue to enforce the difference between motor vehicles (e.g., throttle-only cycles that lack pedals) and bicycle-class devices.