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Council updates bike/ebike rules, sets 15 mph sidewalk speed in downtown
Summary
Council adopted a new ordinance regulating bicycles, e-bikes and scooters and set a 15 mph sidewalk speed limit (reduced from a proposed 20 mph). Staff will add signage to define the downtown Central Business District.
The council adopted an updated ordinance regulating bicycles, e-bikes and scooters after discussing recommended changes from the Bike & Pedestrian Advisory Commission and an outside consultant. A key amendment reduced the sidewalk speed limit recommended in an earlier draft from 20 mph to 15 mph.
Staff said the ordinance aims to balance pedestrian safety in the Central Business District with micromobility access elsewhere, and noted the need for signage to identify the Central Business District boundaries. Council members raised concerns about families with young cyclists downtown and about enforcement; staff recommended prohibiting bikes and scooters on sidewalks in the most congested downtown pedestrian areas and installing signage to inform the public.
Council voted to adopt the ordinance with a 15 mph sidewalk limit, following a motion to modify the draft and a voice vote. Staff will handle implementation details, including signage and public outreach.
