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Committee member urges new e-bike rules after sidewalk incident
Summary
A committee member reported an incident where an adult on an e‑bike rode on a sidewalk and startled the member's 13‑year‑old, urging the council to send e‑bike and trail speed regulations to the legislative committee. Officials discussed class‑2 vs. class‑3 distinctions and suggested speed limits for the Power Line Trail.
A committee member told the meeting that an adult riding an e‑bike on a sidewalk forced their 13‑year‑old to jump out of the way and urged the council to consider new rules for e‑bikes, particularly to keep motorized bikes off sidewalks.
The committee member said the July 4 incident — an older rider on an e‑bike who "yelled at my kid to get out of his way" — highlighted repeated safety concerns. “I've seen the kids whipping around,” the member added, saying neighbors have reported similar behavior and asking that the matter "go to legislative" for formal consideration.
The Chair said staff and council colleagues have been compiling examples and signage used elsewhere and offered to share materials from the city of New Berlin. "I'll send you a sign and notification that the city of New Berlin has used with regard to e‑bikes," the Chair said. Council discussion noted distinctions between Class 2 and Class 3 e‑bikes and debated speed limits on the Power Line Trail: the Chair suggested a 20 mph limit for trail use, while a staff member observed the state guidance sets a 15 mph limit.
Council members and staff agreed the topic should be referred to the legislative committee for ordinance drafting rather than resolved at the meeting. No formal ordinance was introduced at this session; the Chair said staff had been "working on this for the last week or two" with colleagues and that a legislative referral would be the next step.
Votes at a glance: a motion to go into open session was made and carried by voice vote; a motion to adjourn (moved by Alderperson Juzwik and seconded by Alderperson Bailey) carried by voice vote at 8:28.
The meeting did not take further action on e‑bike rules; the item is expected to return to a legislative committee for drafting and potential future public consideration.
