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Council hears concerns about e‑assist devices downtown and asks police, transportation commission to act
Summary
Residents urged stricter enforcement and education for e‑assist devices in the downtown core. Staff clarified city rules banning e‑assist devices on downtown sidewalks, said enforcement is handled by the police department, and asked the transportation commission to prepare educational materials.
Several residents raised safety concerns about e‑assist devices and sidewalk use during the June 1 public‑comment period.
Resident Tim Park praised the city’s new buses and the availability of micromobility options but urged the council to consider keeping the downtown sidewalk corridors pedestrian‑only: "the sidewalk should be vehicle‑free zone," he said, arguing that electric scooters and e‑assist bikes can threaten pedestrian safety.
City administrator Bill Belnap clarified policy: e‑assist devices are prohibited on sidewalks in the downtown core (roughly Washington to Jackson), while human‑powered bicycles may be used with an encouragement to dismount. Belnap said enforcement is managed by the Moscow Police Department and urged residents to report violations to the non‑emergency police line or call 911 if it is an emergency. He also asked the transportation commission to develop educational materials to help the community adapt to rapidly changing micromobility technologies.
Resident Sher noted many riders use sidewalks because they do not feel safe on the road and recommended any enforcement be paired with protected bike infrastructure and driver education.
Councilors agreed to ask staff and the transportation commission to pursue education campaigns and to rely on police for enforcement; no ordinance changes were proposed at the meeting.
