Advisory board advances draft e‑bike ordinance with helmet, light and speed provisions

Members of the Traffic Advisory Board discussed a two‑page draft ordinance to regulate e‑bikes and scooters during the meeting. The draft lays out enforcement tiers (first, second and third offenses), administrative fees, and a mechanism for impounding scooters or e‑bikes used by riders under 16 until an administrative fee is paid; the board was asked to provide feedback before the draft goes to the town attorney.

The chair explained the legal rationale: because many e‑bike riders are not licensed drivers, the town needs a local ordinance to create enforceable administrative penalties and allow police to issue tickets. "So, it's almost like bail on the bike," one board member said of impoundment as a tool to ensure accountability. The draft also incorporates equipment and behavior rules: helmet use, front and rear lights and high‑visibility clothing at night, and a 15 mph speed limit on multiuse paths.

Officer Chris Pittz and other members emphasized education in addition to enforcement; the board plans a summer bike safety event (a bike rodeo) to promote helmets and safe riding. The chair said the process is iterative: the board will mark up the draft, staff will forward it to the municipal attorney for editing, and if the advisory board approves the attorney’s revised draft it will be sent to the town board and scheduled for a public hearing.

No formal vote was taken on the ordinance at this meeting; members discussed likely timing and the expectation that a finalized draft could be ready for attorney review within weeks, with a possible public hearing in the coming months if the board and the attorney concur.

The board asked staff to circulate the current draft and state guidance to members and to return a revised draft at the next meeting.