Resident urges Fall River to regulate sidewalk e‑bikes after near collisions; council says it will pursue ordinance

Bruce Souza told the Finance Committee on June 23 that electric bikes being ridden on Fall River sidewalks are a danger to people with disabilities, saying riders often behave like motorists and ignore requests to use the road. "They're flying up South Main Street at 20 miles an hour plus," Souza said, adding that the machines nearly struck him twice and that sidewalk users with walkers and wheelchairs were at risk.

Several councilors acknowledged repeated constituent complaints and said the issue would be addressed with a resolution to seek an ordinance change. Councilor Pereira said the administration and police chief were aware and that a resolution would be filed; Councilor Pekkham and others described recent public‑safety committee meetings on the topic and said they are reviewing language in existing ATV and vehicle ordinances to adapt them to newer e‑bike technologies.

Councilors and staff said options include clarifying whether certain electric micromobility devices belong on roads rather than sidewalks, assessing enforcement pathways with police, and updating local code language to reflect current vehicle capabilities and speeds. The committee asked the administration and police to follow up with language changes and enforcement guidance.

Next steps: Council members said they will draft a resolution to pursue an ordinance amendment and coordinate with the police chief and the public‑safety committee to develop enforceable language.