Council reviews draft traffic code that would ban sidewalk bicycling in downtown; public hearing penciled for November

Councilors reviewed a draft vehicles‑and‑traffic ordinance intended to simplify code references to the Central Business District and to add a distinct section addressing bicycles.

A staff presenter told the council that the draft "removed the street designations for the Central Business District and just left it as referencing the official zoning map" and that the new draft includes "a whole section in for bicycles, and it specifies no bicycles on the sidewalk in the Central Business District." The staff member said the copy is marked draft and recommended scheduling a public hearing: "If the draft is acceptable, we can go ahead and schedule a public hearing for the first meeting in November." (staff member)

Councilors and residents exchanged concerns about enforcement and safety. One councilor described a recent incident involving a 10‑year‑old on an electric bike traveling at high speed near Millside Park and said the situation highlighted enforcement and signage limits. Residents and councilors requested staff to check existing park and RV‑park signage and to consider where sidewalks and ADA corners exist before finalizing any sidewalk ban.

What happens next: Council directed staff to continue work on the draft code and indicated willingness to schedule a public hearing at the first November meeting if the council is satisfied with the language and map references. The hearing would be the first formal opportunity for public testimony on the proposed changes.