Maumee committee directs service department to design bicycle‑safety signage on priority routes

The City of Maumee Public Safety Committee on May 14 directed the service department to design bicycle‑safety signage and work with the police department to identify appropriate installation locations on priority routes.

Chair (S2) said River Road and Dustle Drive are two primary routes of concern and recommended a combination of signs and roadway markings. Committee members discussed a range of options—signs that remind drivers to leave 3 feet, "bicycles may use full lane" signs, and painted junction/roadway markings.

A 2022 study by Bloomberg Philanthropies was cited during the discussion as evidence that roadway murals at intersections can reduce crashes; members discussed whether to pair signage with painted images at intersections. Several speakers stressed compliance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices in choosing sign types and placements.

The finance/public service joint committee indicated that the public service department can produce and install many signs with minimal cost. The committee moved to direct the service department to design signage and to consult with police on siting; the motion was seconded and carried on recorded vote (two yes, one no recorded). Members also debated enforcement limits for electric bikes and noted that current municipal code already restricts some high‑speed non‑pedal electric vehicles.

Next steps: service department staff will draft sign designs and proposed locations in coordination with police and report back to committee or council as appropriate.