Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Homewood staff outline e‑bike and e‑scooter code changes; board favors education‑first enforcement
Summary
Village staff described proposed municipal code changes that classify e‑bikes and e‑scooters by speed and set where they may operate; the board emphasized an education‑first enforcement approach while residents raised child‑safety concerns.
Village staff presented proposed municipal code amendments for e‑bikes and e‑scooters at the July 14 meeting, describing three vehicle classes and an education‑first approach to enforcement.
Planner/transportation staff (introduced as Granenberger) explained that low‑speed scooters (those limited to about 10 miles per hour) would be permitted on sidewalks and bike paths, while faster e‑scooters (over 10 mph) would be restricted to roadways under 35 mph and bike lanes — not sidewalks. Ebikes in class 1 and 2 (up to 20 mph) were described as allowed in bike lanes but not on sidewalks; class 3 e‑bikes (higher speeds) would have an age cutoff (16 or older) and follow roadway rules. Granenberger said the village plans an initial public‑education rollout via the website and social media and would prioritize education for first‑time or minor infractions.
"We have a graphic to help us understand some of the new ordinance... They have different classes, 1, 2, and 3," staff said. Staff noted forthcoming state legislation that may take effect Jan. 1 and advised aligning local rules with the state law once it is finalized.
Residents asked how enforcement would work in neighborhoods without sidewalks and repeatedly urged stronger protection for children. A police official said the department intends to focus on safety and education rather than immediate ticketing for first‑time incidents.
No final ordinance vote was taken; the presentation and public questions will inform the board’s next steps and any future ordinance drafting.
