Buchanan schedules second hearing on bicycle, e-bike and scooter rules after public safety concerns

The Buchanan City Commission held a first reading July 13 of Ordinance 2026.08/453, which would update city rules for bicycles, electric bikes, scooters, skateboards and similar devices and remove an outdated bicycle-licensing requirement.

The ordinance text would set updated safety and operating rules, restrict certain devices in designated downtown areas and recreational trails, and authorize municipal civil infractions. The commission moved to approve the first reading and scheduled Public Hearing No.2 for Aug. 10, 2026, to receive additional public input.

During discussion, commissioners and public commenters raised enforcement and safety concerns. A commissioner recalled that the city once issued bicycle license plates in the 1950s and said officers and staff will need enforcement tools; the transcript records a debate over whether camera footage can be used for traffic enforcement. The commissioner said cameras may be useful for identifying perpetrators but acknowledged state limits on using cameras for traffic enforcement.

Dennis Mori, representing the Buchanan Business Boosters, described a near-miss on a downtown sidewalk: "two young guys came by on electric bikes... they came by really, really fast on the sidewalk right up against the building," he said, adding the speed created a hazard for pedestrians and dogs.

Commissioners emphasized they brought the ordinance forward because existing rules did not adequately address the new types of devices and the downtown safety issues observed. The Aug. 10 public hearing is intended to gather more input on how to balance safety, enforcement and access downtown.

Next steps: The commission will accept public comment at the Aug. 10 hearing before a possible second reading and final enactment.