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Residents urge action as Broken Bow police draft e-bike ordinance after reports of close calls
Summary
Residents and business leaders urged the council to address electric-bike safety on sidewalks and roads; Police Chief Chris Anderson said enforcement is limited without catching offenders in the act and that he is drafting an ordinance that could include confiscation for violations.
During public comment at the May 12 council meeting, community leaders urged the City of Broken Bow to address safety concerns involving electric bicycles.
Scotti Ross, executive director of the Custer Economic Development Corporation, and Stephanie Grafel, executive director of the Broken Bow Chamber, told the council they have observed close calls between e-bike riders, pedestrians and vehicles and recommended the city and police consider an ordinance to improve safety. They also suggested the police department partner with Broken Bow Public Schools for safety assemblies.
Resident Nancee Coufal warned that child riders could face significant injury at the speeds some e-bikes can reach and recommended the city place greater responsibility on parents.
Police Chief Chris Anderson told the council the department has received more complaints but enforcement is limited because officers must catch riders in the act to issue traffic citations. Chief Anderson said he is drafting an ordinance to address the complex enforcement and safety issues and that confiscation of a bike when a traffic violation is committed is one option under consideration.
Councilmember Russ Smith said the council wants to strike a fair balance that protects children and others without unduly restricting recreational use. Mayor Sonnichsen asked for patience as staff and legal refine draft language and asked local media to help inform the public when an ordinance is ready for review.
Next steps: Police will continue drafting an ordinance for council consideration and the city will seek public input and legal review before any ordinance is adopted.
