Council amends e‑bike ordinance to require helmets for minors and sends language for follow-up

During committee discussion and the subsequent special meeting, councilors debated helmet language and enforcement mechanics before approving an amendment to require protective helmets for persons under 18 on bicycles and any class of electric bicycle. Councilwoman Waring moved the amendment to add the words "bicycle or" so the ordinance reads that no person under 18 shall operate or be a passenger on a bicycle or any class electric bicycle unless wearing a protective helmet that meets applicable standards; the motion carried on a roll call in committee.

Law Director Devereux said the administration intends to couple the ordinance with education rather than immediate aggressive citation of juveniles. Sergeant McIntyre and other council members said their operational approach is education-first, with referrals to parents and school‑based outreach for incidents involving children. Council noted unresolved questions about device seizure and forfeiture for repeat offenders and asked staff to return in the fall to refine those mechanisms.

The amended ordinance was approved on emergency passage at the special council meeting later that evening and takes effect immediately; staff were asked to provide finalized amendment language and an education plan prior to broader enforcement.