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Gladstone police chief urges education, signage over new ebike ordinance for city parks
Summary
At the March 9 Parks and Recreational Advisory Board meeting, Police Chief Hugh Schmerber told the board ebikes are legally bicycles and recommended an education and signage campaign rather than writing local laws because enforcement would be difficult; staff will prototype signage and a QR reporting page.
At the March 9 meeting of the Gladstone Parks and Recreational Advisory Board, Police Chief Hugh Schmerber briefed the board on ebike classifications and urged education and signage as the first step before pursuing local ordinances.
"They're considered bicycles just like a pedal bike," Schmerber said, explaining the state class system for electric bicycles (class 1 pedal assist, class 2 throttle assist, class 3 higher-powered motors) and noting safety and equipment rules that apply on streets.
Schmerber told board members that the legal minimum rider age is 16 and that helmets are not legally required for bicycles in the same way they are optional for conventional bikes. He cautioned that while local government can add restrictions, "the question when you put those restrictions in is, how are they gonna be enforced?" and recommended starting with outreach.
Parks staff echoed the chief's suggestion to emphasize signage and public education. Parks staff member Silas said the department will develop a web page and a sign mock-up with a QR code to direct people to safety guidance and reporting contacts, and recommended using language consistent with Oregon State Parks. "My guess is I'd wanna start with a marketing campaign right away," he said.
Board members pressed on practical enforcement and where bikes may be ridden. Bruce Hildreth asked whether bikes are allowed on sidewalks; Schmerber replied that riders must follow traffic laws and exercise due regard for pedestrians. Several board members described instances of fast, nonpedaling electric devices startling walkers on nature paths and suggested targeted signage near high-use walking periods.
Staff said they will test education and signage first and return to the board with a plan and prototype web page; the board did not take formal action on an ordinance at this meeting.
The Parks and Recreational Advisory Board will review the proposed signage and web prototype at a future meeting. The next regular meeting is scheduled for April 13, 2026.
