Commissioners praise beach accessibility upgrades, debate MobiMats and e‑bike rules; railroad trips strain downtown parking

Several commissioners praised recent improvements to beach accessibility and public works work ahead of summer. Commissioner Johnson and others noted that a resident using a walker was able to use the ramp and that the David’s chair program has allowed people to visit the beach who could not do so in years.

Commissioners discussed temporary MobiMats to bridge soft sand gaps near the ramp but reported maintenance challenges in other coastal towns. "Seaside has two at two different locations... Cannon Beach... they have had a lot of trouble keeping theirs clean," one commissioner said, noting volunteer maintenance and sand buildup as operational concerns.

On electric bicycles, commissioners said Rockaway’s bicycle ordinance dates to the 1990s and does not address e‑bikes or new state rules. Commissioner Lanyon noted state law restricts the highest‑powered e‑bike modes on public property and that local signage and ordinance updates are needed to clarify where classes of e‑bikes are allowed.

Commissioner Maxfield and others described a recent change in Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad scheduling to daytime trips that has increased parking pressure downtown, filling slanted parking on Highway 101 and reducing foot traffic for businesses; the city is engaged in dialogue with the Port of Tillamook and the railroad to find collaborative solutions.