New e-bike rules in Fishers aim to curb dangerous riding
FISHERS, Ind. (WISH) — The Fishers City Council on Monday night voted to expand an e-bike ordinance after police say they received complaints of dangerous bike riding.
Police say reckless bike riding includes excessive speeding, cutting off pedestrians, and weaving through traffic.
Police say it’s all about safety presenting the ordinance to the council Monday evening. The council voted overwhelmingly to approve it in a 9-0 decision.
“I think its a good step in the right direction to keep our trail safer,” said Chief Ed Gebhart of Fishers Police Department.
Under the new ordinance, e-motobikes that don’t require any pedaling are not allowed on the trails or sidewalks — only on roadways and in bike lanes. That’s because officials say e-motobikes can reach speeds up to 60 mph.
E-bikes, which still require pedaling, are still allowed on the trails.
Children 15 and younger are banned from riding class three e-bikes that can reach speeds up to 28 mph, along with e-motobikes.
Helmets are required for those under 18 years of age.
Ashley Elrod of the city government of Fishers said, “Out of all of this, all we want to do is have our residents and visitors be safe and get out there and enjoy and enjoy all of our amenities we have.”
Riders — including parents of minors — can be fined if they do not follow the new rules. Fines are $150.
Gebhart said, “We’re not in a rush to cite people who are misusing. We’ll do an education period, we’ll partner with the city and send out messages, and let everyone know. We’re not going to start hard enforcing it immediately, but you can expect it in the next few weeks or so.”
Now that the ordinance has passed, the mayor is expected to sign it. The new ordinance is expected to take effect this summer.
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