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Council delays fast‑tracking e‑bike code change after public‑education concerns
Summary
Council discussed an amendment to traffic code defining and regulating e‑bikes, including enforcement language from the police chief; a proposed suspension of readings was withdrawn so the measure can proceed through the standard three‑reading process to allow public education.
Council debated an ordinance amending the traffic code to add new definitions and enforcement authority for electric bicycles and similar vehicles. The measure was described as a clarification to help officers handle situations involving e‑bikes on sidewalks and other public areas.
At council query, Chief McDonald said the ordinance “clarifies things that are important to us such as using them on sidewalks and… new definitions that enable us to take enforcement action where that's appropriate.” He added that the ordinance does not address minibikes and ATVs, which remain prohibited on public property under separate code sections.
Councilmember Rollins moved to suspend the three‑reading rule because the ordinance was declared an emergency; after several members raised concerns that suspending readings would short‑circuit public education about the changes, Rollins withdrew the suspension motion and the item remained as a first reading.
Next steps: The ordinance will proceed through the standard readings to allow public notice and opportunity for residents and stakeholders to review the proposed definitions and enforcement changes.
