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Marquette directs staff to draft e-bike ordinances allowing classes 1–3 and reckless-riding enforcement
Summary
The commission voted to direct the city manager to draft ordinances that would permit e-bike classes 1–3 and micro‑mobility devices under 750 watts on multiuse paths and to create a reckless‑riding enforcement ordinance; commissioners emphasized policing unsafe behavior over device bans.
The Marquette City Commission on May 26 directed the city manager and staff, pending legal review, to draft one or more ordinances that would allow e‑bike classes 1–3 and micro‑mobility devices with motors under 750 watts on the city's multiuse path and to create a reckless‑riding ordinance giving law enforcement discretion to stop and cite dangerous riding.
Why it matters: Commissioners said the move is intended to prioritize public safety by policing unsafe behavior rather than attempting to distinguish devices by appearance or technology. Supporters noted that micromobility devices are already in use on the multiuse path and that the task force's recommendations provide a practical, enforceable path forward.
What the commission asked staff to do: The motion, moved by speaker 13 and seconded by Commissioner Davis, asks staff and legal counsel to draft ordinances that would: - Allow e‑bike classes 1, 2 and 3 and micro‑mobility devices with motors under 750 watts on multiuse paths, consistent with state law review; - Create a reckless‑riding ordinance to give police discretion to stop and address dangerous behavior, including excessive speed; and - Return to the commission with proposed ordinance language and recommendations for any needed physical changes to the path (for example, lane markings and signage).
Discussion highlights: Commissioners and the mayor pro tem emphasized enforcement of rider behavior, physical changes recommended by the task force (lane striping and signage), and the difficulty of visually distinguishing devices. Several commissioners said they want the reckless‑riding ordinance drafted quickly because perceived unsafe riding is a high‑priority public concern.
Vote and next steps: The motion passed unanimously. City staff will work with legal counsel to draft ordinance language and return with proposed text and recommended physical improvements; commissioners asked for a follow‑up in the coming weeks on both the enforcement language and the task force's physical safety recommendations.
Statutory context: Staff reminded the commission of state law provisions governing e‑bike classes and local authority; the transcript cites MCL §257.662a and related sections as background for the discussion.
