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Board recommends ban on sidewalk cycling in Central Business District, exempts upper Pennsylvania Park sidewalk
Summary
After substantial public comment and staff discussion, the board voted to recommend a city ordinance prohibiting bicycles on sidewalks in the Central Business District and Park Avenue sidewalks while excluding the upper Pennsylvania Park sidewalk to preserve through‑movement.
The Downtown Management Board recommended that city council adopt an ordinance prohibiting bicycles on sidewalks in the Central Business District and on Park Avenue sidewalks, while excluding the upper Pennsylvania Park sidewalk (part of the Greenway connection) so that cyclists may continue to use that through route.
Public comment included perspectives from downtown business owners and long‑time residents. A downtown business owner told the board she was concerned about “criminalizing behavior” of people who bike or use scooters to get to work or visit downtown and asked how enforcement would be handled. Emily Meyerson, who identified herself as a former city planner and planning commission member, urged a holistic approach and said the city’s nonmotorized plan (from 2015) does not fully address e‑bikes and scooters. Meyerson said: “I think until we have a nonmotorized plan…that part of the park should stay open.”
Board members debated whether to separate Park Reserve/ Park Avenue from the Central Business District in their recommendation. Several members favored focusing restrictions on sidewalks that front storefronts to improve pedestrian safety while keeping the greenway through‑route available for cyclists. The board discussed signage, bike corrals and other measures to encourage safe behavior without heavy penal enforcement.
After discussion the board approved a motion recommending an ordinance prohibiting bicycles on Central Business District sidewalks and Park Avenue sidewalks, excluding the upper Pennsylvania Park sidewalk; the motion passed on roll call, with one abstention recorded. Chair Robin said the board’s goal was safety and accessibility for pedestrians, business customers and bicyclists.
The recommendation will be forwarded to city council; staff and board members suggested that council consider coordinating with parks, planning and public safety on signage and a longer nonmotorized plan.
