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Council discusses potential e-bike ordinance and Knox-box guidance as public-safety measures
Summary
Council asked staff to study an electric-bike ordinance and confirm state code after resident complaints about sidewalk riding; members also discussed recommending Knox boxes for new commercial construction and major renovations and noted costs and county assistance options.
Council members discussed two public-safety items: whether Frostburg should adopt an electric-bike ordinance to regulate sidewalk riding and vehicle classifications, and whether to require Knox boxes on new commercial projects and significant renovations.
On electric bikes, councilors said complaints from residents about sidewalk riding and near-misses have increased and asked the chief and staff to confirm state traffic-code requirements and to draft potential local ordinances if necessary. The chief noted a recent state-law change that may make sidewalk riding allowable by default unless the city adopts an ordinance restricting it; staff were asked to review definitions (for example, power/cc thresholds and age limits other cities use) and enforcement options.
On Knox boxes, staff recommended requiring them for new commercial construction and major renovations while encouraging existing businesses to adopt them voluntarily. Members discussed costs (a business box estimate around $6,800; residential boxes $300–$400), installation and 9-1-1 documentation. County procurement and setup assistance was referenced as an option for implementation.
Next steps: staff and the police chief will research state law and model ordinances for e-bikes and will draft recommendations for council consideration; staff will also coordinate with the county about Knox-box procurement and produce cost/installation guidance for local property owners.
