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Council advances behavior-focused ordinance for bicycles, e-bikes and scooters
Summary
Council reviewed and placed on the floor a consolidated ordinance that shifts from sidewalk/location bans to behavior-based rules — requiring reasonable, safe, controlled operation, yielding to pedestrians, and enabling limited enforcement while preserving education-first approaches; council moved the ordinance and it advanced by voice vote.
City staff presented a consolidated ordinance intended to simplify and clarify rules for bicycles, electric bikes, electric scooters and play vehicles across the City of West Bend. The ordinance emphasizes behavior — requiring operators to ride in a reasonable, safe and controlled manner — rather than trying to enumerate which streets or sidewalks allow specific devices. The presenter said the change is meant to reduce confusion that would arise from ad hoc exemptions for individual streets and to create an enforceable standard for officers.
Key provisions highlighted in the presentation include retaining applicable state e-bike provisions, parental liability for minors, a requirement that pedestrians always have the right of way, a required audible or verbal warning when passing someone on a sidewalk, and retention of prohibited sidewalks in sensitive areas (the downtown and Barton Historic District). Staff and council also discussed that gas-powered mini-motorcycle-style vehicles that do not meet e-bike definitions would remain prohibited on public streets and that private property owners may set their own rules for parking lots and other private areas. Staff said the effort will pair education (infographics and a planned video with the PIO and officers) with enforcement tools for intentional, reckless behavior.
Council moved and seconded to place the ordinance on the floor for consideration; council discussion focused on retail compliance, how the rules apply on private property and at special events, and ensuring clarity about class designations for e-bikes. The council voted by voice to advance the ordinance. The presenter summarized the approach as a shift "to focusing on behaviors, which is what law should be" and staff emphasized outreach to local retailers and planned communications to educate the public.
