Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council adopts ordinance limiting e-bikes and e-scooters inside Score Park diamond areas after public safety debate
Summary
On third reading the council adopted Ordinance 1079 to add electric bicycles, scooters and personal transportation devices to the city code and prohibit riding inside constrained park diamond areas; police described an educational rollout and potential enforcement options, while a senior-center leader urged stronger measures after near-miss incidents.
The Nevada City Council held the third and final reading of Ordinance 1079 to amend Chapter 76 to cover electric bicycles, electric scooters and personal transportation devices and voted to adopt the ordinance. The council and the police chief focused discussion on the ordinance’s scope — the restriction applies to the interior of Score Park’s diamond (baseball) areas — and on enforcement options including warnings, fines and a possible 24-hour impoundment.
Residents raised safety concerns during the discussion. Raymond Jones, who identified himself to the council as a senior-center chair, described near-miss incidents and urged stricter measures: “My wife almost got hit by scooters riding on the sidewalk.” The council and police said the initial approach would emphasize education and communication (social media and school outreach) rather than immediate heavy fines, but they preserved enforcement tools in the code. Staff noted the code allows a civil fine (noted in discussion as a $300 fine plus court fees) and discussed whether impoundment or a graduated enforcement model would be more effective for changing behavior among young riders.
