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Obetz officials press for clearer e-bike and dirt-bike rules amid safety concerns
Summary
Police Chief Mike Confer and Mayor Angela Kirk told council electric bike riders must follow traffic laws and that the City will publish enforcement guidance; council members cited safety risks from riders weaving through cars.
Council members and city staff discussed concerns about dirt bikes and electric bikes operating on public roads and sidewalks. Police Chief Mike Confer told the meeting that "electric bike riders must abide by all traffic rules." Mayor Angela Kirk asked Chief Confer to work with Ms. Duncan to publish those rules, and council members emphasized safety concerns, noting children weaving in and out of cars.
Law Director Gene Hollins referenced how other jurisdictions handle violations, noting that in Australia electric bikes can be confiscated if rules are broken. The City recorded no specific ordinance change at this meeting; Council directed staff to prepare guidance and emphasized enforcement and public education as next steps.
Council did not adopt a new local regulation during the meeting; steps recorded were direction to staff to publish and educate about existing traffic rules as they apply to electric bikes.
