Discuss Electric-Assist Bicycles (ebikes)

Discussion/Direction.

In the past several weeks, the Council has received feedback from a few residents regarding E-bikes. Some of the requests included creating an ordinance to regulate speed, location, and behavior of bicyclists. Staff is interested in a discussion among the Council about how to address the situation. In consideration of this, there are a number of items to take into consideration. They include:
 

• Per MN State Statute, electric-assist bicycles are treated in essentially the same manner as “regular” bicycles. They can operate wherever a bicycle can. This includes operating on sidewalks.    
• State Statute prohibits the riding of all bicycles (electric-assist or not) on sidewalks in the Central Business District of any city. Police are exempted from this prohibition. 
• Mankato City Code Section 6.17, Subd. 2, J, has language that prevents bicycles from being operated in a careless manner.
• State Statute and City Code Section 7.05 allow for the City Manager to designate any sidewalk, or portion thereof, as an area where bicycle riding is prohibited. Any designated area must be appropriately signposted. 
• City Code Section 6.17, Subd. 2, I, prohibits operation, parking or having a motorized vehicle on the bike trail right-of-way. In this same section, the definition of vehicle is “any wheeled conveyance, whether motor-powered, animal-drawn, or self-propelled. The term shall include any trailer in tow of any size, kind or description. Exceptions are made for wheelchairs, baby carriages, non-motorized bicycles, non-motorized tricycles, trailers attached to a non-motorized bicycle and vehicles in the service of the city.
• State Statute puts the responsibility for the safe operation of a bicycle on the bicycle operator. For example, they must yield the right of way to pedestrians and give an audible signal when overtaking and passing them. 
• State Statute does not regulate the speed of bicycles on sidewalks or trails. Bicycles on the roadway must follow speed limits that apply to other motor vehicles.
• Depending on the class of the electric-assist bicycle, they must cease to provide assistance when they reach 20 or 28 miles per hour.

 
Staff are interested in hearing how the Council wishes to tackle the matter.

• If the city decides to regulate electric-assist bicycles, enforcement would likely still be a challenge unless officers witness the conduct and are able to stop the bicycle immediately. Because electric-assist bicycles can move quickly and do not have a unique identification number (a license plate), they would likely be gone upon an officer’s arrival.
• The department’s traffic safety officer has initiated ongoing conversations with biking and pedestrian advocacy groups. During these meetings, the groups’ concerns, along with the officer’s concerns about safety, are addressed. 
• Educational campaigns are likely to be the most effective way to address the issues. Public safety can educate bicyclists through continued meetings with advocacy groups, bicycle repair businesses and stores that sell bicycles.