Council hears extensive public testimony on alternative‑vehicle ordinance; emphasis on trail safety and clear definitions

City law presented broad amendments to Title 10 and Title 12 to clarify definitions for electric bicycles, golf car vehicles, low‑speed vehicles and other power‑assisted devices and to align local code with State statutes.

Jessica Kerkoff of the City Attorney's Office said the ordinance draws definitions from state law to give residents and enforcement clearer guidance and that the city may choose how strictly to regulate golf car vehicles, noting that the draft requires an operator to be licensed and insured in some configurations: "the operator must be licensed and must have insurance." The proposal also restricts certain higher‑powered devices from shared‑use trails and gives parks and law enforcement clearer authority.

Public comment was extensive. Jean McGuire, a daily trail user, said signage and education are essential because she often feels unsafe: "I'm taking my life in my hands every time I'm on the trails." Bike‑and‑ped advocates urged the council to distinguish clearly between legal ebikes (Class 1–3) and higher‑powered e‑motos or mini bikes, and local bike retailers offered to assist with outreach and education so rules do not disproportionately impact people who rely on ebikes for transportation.

Councilmembers and city staff signaled interest in companion education efforts and possible illustrative materials to help residents and officers distinguish device types; the record shows questions and a motion to amend certain technical language but no final vote recorded in this hearing. The council left the item open for further review and technical fixes.

Provenance: presentation by city law and extended public hearing (SEG 2451'03 3144).