Pacific City Council debates broader e-bike language, tables final reading to May 11

The City of Pacific City Council on April 27 discussed and amended proposed rules for electric-assisted bicycles and similar devices but postponed a final vote until its May 11 meeting.

Council Member Petersen moved to amend Ordinance 2026-2122 (AB26-026a) to add language saying anyone riding a bicycle, e-bike or motorized foot scooter must yield the right-of-way to “vulnerable users” and must operate in a “reasonable and prudent” manner, which Petersen said is often interpreted as a slow, safe speed similar to a brisk walk. Council Member Putnam pressed to simplify the language by removing a specific list of locations and making the duty to yield apply “when pedestrians are present.”

Putnam then moved a friendly amendment directing staff to insert the revised language into the ordinance and return the item for final reading on May 11, 2026. Mayor Kave tabled the item to the May 11 meeting for final reading. A voice vote on tabling and the procedural motions was recorded as 7-0.

Ordinance 2026-2122 is identified in the minutes as AB26-026a; the council’s amendments center on how the code will define and protect “vulnerable users,” a term proposed to include pedestrians, cyclists, e-bikes, mopeds, motorized foot scooters, motorcyclists and people riding animals or operating farm machinery.

The ordinance discussion focused on how best to balance pedestrian safety with device mobility on sidewalks, crosswalks and trails. The council did not adopt a final text at the April 27 meeting; staff were directed to return a revised ordinance for the council’s May 11 meeting.