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West Bend enacts electric‑bicycle ordinance; council also approves Creekside developer agreement and park funding
Summary
The West Bend common council enacted Ordinance No. 5 (electric bicycles), adopting rules that mirror scooter regulations, adopt statutory ebike classes, restrict sidewalk use downtown and clarify seizure/impound rules. The council also approved a developer’s agreement for Creekside additions and a $250,000 transfer from park acquisition fees toward a new Regner Park skate park.
The West Bend common council enacted a new local ordinance on electric bicycles (Ordinance No. 5) at its June 1 meeting and approved several development and parks items.
Staff member (speaker 2) presented the ordinance, saying it largely mirrors the city’s existing electric‑scooter rules and incorporates the three statutory ebike classes. The ordinance prohibits sidewalk ebike operation in downtown West Bend and bars sidewalk riding for riders over 16 with a limited exception for the Riverwalk and short distances to crosswalks. The ordinance also streamlines seizure and impound provisions and removes obsolete bicycle‑licensing sections.
Police Chief Dearing said enforcement will emphasize public education and stepped‑up enforcement near downtown storefronts and high‑pedestrian areas. He also explained parental and guardian liability provisions in the ordinance and highlighted age restrictions in state statute: class 3 ebikes (which can reach higher speeds) are governed by the state’s 16‑year threshold. Chief Dearing emphasized officer training and a forthcoming public‑education push.
Resident commenters asked about lights, audible signals and technical features such as cruise control; staff and police said lights are required at night, forfeiture amounts are set by the standard forfeiture table and the city will provide communications and education as summer begins.
The council moved, seconded and enacted Ordinance No. 5 by voice vote that night (first reading enacted as ordinance because the vote was unanimous). Chair noted that if a vote had not been unanimous this would have returned for a second reading.
In other business the council approved a standard developer’s agreement for Creekside Subdivision additions 6 and 7; Jim Rehnke presented the packet describing completion of the original 274‑lot subdivision with 77 additional lots and two new right‑of‑way connections. The council also acknowledged Parks & Rec Commission action to transfer $250,000 from the park acquisition fee trust to fund construction of a new skate park at Regner Park; Parks & Rec said the facility aims to host competitions and regional visitors.
City Administrator Theis noted economic development news—PS Seasonings broke ground in the industrial park—and gave a brief update that countywide EMS discussions are on hold for further study.
Staff member (speaker 2): “The changes that are made… largely mirror the e‑scooter ordinance… The 3 different classes of bicycle are statutory.”
Police Chief Dearing: “We’ll be stepping up our enforcement… and we’ll be doing a great training and education push for our team.”
Next steps: The enacted ordinance is now city law; staff and police will coordinate outreach and enforcement. The Creekside developer agreement and the park fee transfer proceed under the approved motions.
