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Committee backs tightening downtown sidewalk rules for bikes and e‑scooters
Summary
Committee members and downtown representatives supported expanding the geography where bicycle and e‑scooter riding on sidewalks is prohibited to address safety concerns; staff proposed closing gaps and following with an education‑enforcement campaign and possible referral to the transportation commission.
Committee members told staff that inconsistent sidewalk rules and rising e‑bike/scooter use have led to close calls with pedestrians, and they supported expanding the downtown geography where riding on sidewalks is prohibited.
Brett Lee (speaker 9) outlined a plan to tighten the mapped geography so the downtown boundary would be more consistent. "We need to address scooters and e scooters specifically," Lee said, recommending clearer signage and a follow‑up education and enforcement campaign.
A downtown business owner described multiple near‑misses while leaving her storefront and asked the committee to advance a code change. Committee members suggested staff present the proposal to the transportation commission for technical review and recommended carve‑outs for mobility assistance devices.
Staff said they will work on specific language and geography and might bring a recommendation to the transportation commission before returning to the committee or council.
