Council hears proposal to set speed limits on sidewalks and trails; commenters debate numeric cap vs. 'suitability for conditions'

Council Member Miller introduced a proposed ordinance to set a speed limit for bicycles, e-bikes, scooters and other wheeled devices on city sidewalks and trails, citing multiple resident reports of close calls and higher speeds enabled by electric assist. Miller said the goal is safety and clarity: a readable, specific numeric limit gives users a clear standard. He referenced other municipalities' practices, including Minneapolis' 10 mph limit in certain core areas, and noted that several cities tailor language to e-assist devices.

Council and staff discussed enforcement practicality and exceptions. Miller said he did not expect routine active enforcement by police, positioning the limit primarily as an awareness and safety tool; City Manager Hirsch said the police chief would attend the next session to discuss enforcement. Staff also noted that scooter vendors (Bird) have geofencing that limits scooters to 15 mph on the trail system and that state statute limits the city's ability to ban scooters from trails altogether. Public commenters offered competing views: Deb Marshall urged clearer signage and enforcement to keep scooters out of parking ramps; Elizabeth Sullivan, who uses trails because she cannot drive, recommended an ordinance tied to "suitability for conditions" to preserve accessibility for those who rely on the trails; Anton Smets and Ryan Bruxford urged education, targeted zones and careful calibration of any numeric limit rather than a blanket citywide cap.

The transcript records council discussion and several public comments but no final vote. Staff and council agreed additional work is needed on signage, enforcement expectations and whether a single numeric limit or a condition-based standard best protects trail users while preserving access for commuters and mobility-limited residents.