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Police propose sidewalk ban, age rules and impoundment authority for e-scooters and e-bikes
Summary
Police Chief Renwick told the council that increasing complaints motivate a three-part approach—education, enforcement and a proposed local law—to prohibit sidewalk riding, require compliance with traffic controls, set age and speed limits (chief cited 20 mph as a reference), and create penalties and impoundment authority for repeat offenders; councilmembers urged school-based education and signage.
Police Chief Renwick said recent community complaints and several injury incidents prompted a combined education-enforcement-legislation strategy to improve pedestrian safety and voluntary compliance. "The presentation is the result of several community complaints," he said, and he recommended prohibiting sidewalk operation citywide, establishing a minimum age (he recommended 16), emphasizing helmet use and setting a maximum operating speed consistent with the New York State VTL.
Chief Renwick also recommended adding penalties and impoundment authority for repeat offenders because officers currently issue summonses and release devices. Council members endorsed strong school-based education, helmet-distribution partnerships and signage; one councilor said a helmet-giveaway would help pair enforcement with safety support. The chief asked council to authorize staff to work with corporation counsel to draft proposed local legislation for future consideration.
