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After public comment, trustees refer e‑bike and e‑scooter rules to Parks & Rec
Summary
Following public comment urging accessible rules for riders with disabilities and safety concerns from police, the board voted to send the proposed bicycle/electric‑device ordinance to Parks & Recreation (and Public Safety) for further review and joint recommendations.
The Village of Cross Plains held an informal public hearing May 11 on a proposed update to the bicycle ordinance to address e‑bikes and e‑scooters. The hearing drew public comment and substantial discussion among trustees, police and staff.
Resident Jill Hechko told the board that e‑bikes are an accessibility tool for people with disabilities and older riders and urged rules that preserve access for class‑1/pedal‑assist e‑bikes or that rely on enforceable speed limits. "E‑bikes allow people with injuries and disabilities to participate on the same bike rides," Hechko said.
Public safety officials and the police chief described complaints about high‑speed e‑bikes and scooters traveling on multi‑use paths and the enforcement challenges of identifying device classes in the field. The public safety committee recommended regulatory language focused on safety and usage; chief comments emphasized education paired with enforcement discretion for serious or repeated violations.
Trustees discussed options including speed limits, allowing only pedal‑assist devices on multi‑use paths, or targeted bans in high‑use park areas. Several trustees said a one‑size‑fits‑all prohibition could block accessibility for longer rides and regional trail connections that rely on pedal assist.
The board voted to refer the draft ordinance to the Parks & Recreation Committee for a joint review with the Public Safety Committee and to return recommendations to the board for later action.
