Are e-bikes allowed on city pathways?

SANDUSKY — They maneuvered through the legislation carefully to ensure anyone — whether on two feet or on a certain number of wheels — can safely travel on recreational trails throughout Sandusky. During a recent public meeting, city commissioners clarified, modified and adopted new rules as it pertains to what types of vehicles can traverse trails, including the Sandusky Bay Pathway, and how fast they can go. "E-bikes and scooters are a great way to get around, and we want people to use the pathway," city manager John Orzech said. The "e" refers to electric. "That being said, we've heard loud and clear from our residents that there are significant safety concerns with how some people are riding," Orzech added. "Our goal is for these ordinance updates, along with enforcement and education, to help create a safer environment for pedestrians, cyclists and all pathway and sidewalk users." Following the 'pathway' to safe travels Officials recently put together a fact sheet about the dos and don'ts of traveling on city-operated pathways. "Whether you're riding a traditional bike, an electric bicycle or a scooter, here's what you need to know about using Sandusky's streets, sidewalks and shared-use paths legally and safely," according to a city document, which outlines the rules. Here's a summary: Q: Who can use shared-use pathways, like the Sandusky Bay Pathway? A: It's open to cyclists, pedestrians, joggers, skaters, wheelchair users, certain classes of e-bike riders, scooter users and others. Because so many different people use it at the same time, specific rules do apply. Shared-use paths in Sandusky: • Allow for Class 1 (pedal-assist and the most common type) and Class 2 (throttle-assist) e-bikes, which generally top out at 20 mph; These bikes, however, can only travel up to 15 mph on all city-based shared-use paths, including the Sandusky Bay Pathway and those, among others, along Warren Street and within Jaycee Park, unless otherwise stated. • Prohibit Class 3 (speed pedal-assist) e-bikes, which generally top out at 28 mph "Because of the higher speeds involved, Class 3 e-bikes are not permitted on the Sandusky Bay Pathway or other shared-use paths," the statement read. All other vehicles maxing out at 20 mph, such as scooters, are allowed to travel shared-use paths so long as operators follow the city's rules, such as traveling no more than 15 mph. Dirtbikes, ATVs and other off-road vehicles are not permitted on the Sandusky Bay Pathway or any other shared-use path or city sidewalks. Q: What courtesies should riders have regarding pedestrians? A: For those on any sort of multimodal transportation device whether electronic or not: • Adjust your speed when the path is crowded, visibility is limited or conditions are wet • Yield to pedestrians; Pedestrians always have the right of way on shared-use paths. • Pass on the left only; Before passing any other user, give an audible signal, a bell, a horn or a verbal alert like "passing on your left." Do not pass on the right. • Ride in a way that's safe and considerate of everyone; That means maintaining control of your bike or device at all times and avoiding erratic or weaving movements. • Ensure, on roadways, that no more than two riders may ride abreast in a single lane • Adhere to all posted rules and applicable laws, whether on a device or note, and while remaining alert to audible signals and alerts Q: What else can riders do to stay safe? A: For those riding in the dark, the ordinance requires: • A white front light visible from at least 500 feet ahead and 300 feet to the sides • A red rear reflector visible from 100 to 600 feet • A red rear light, flashing or steady, visible from 500 feet A single red rear light can serve as both the light and reflector requirement if it meets the visibility standard. White lights and reflectors may not be used on the rear of a bike. Red lights and reflectors may not be used on the front. Regarding brakes, every bicycle, e-bike and scooter must be equipped with an adequate brake and/or braking system when used on a street or highway. Riders must keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times. Don't carry packages or items that would prevent this. Do not park a bicycle, e-bike or scooter on a sidewalk in a way that interferes with pedestrian traffic or on a roadway in a way that interferes with vehicle traffic. Q: What about on roads? What should device operators know? A: When riding on a roadway, cyclists, e-bike riders and scooter users must: • Stay as close to the right side of the roadway as is safe and practical, but stay consistent; Weaving in and out of the parking lane is more dangerous than holding a steady line. • Follow all traffic laws that apply to motor vehicles • Ride no more than two abreast in a single lane • Stay away and/or don't attach themselves or their devices to any moving vehicle For drivers: When passing a cyclist, e-bike rider, or scooter user, Ohio law requires a minimum of 3 feet of clearance. Drivers may cross the centerline to safely pass a rider when it is safe to do so, the same as passing any slow-moving vehicle. Violations on a roadway can result in a citation issued in the same way as a motor vehicle citation would be. Q: Do operators need to wear a helmet? A: A city ordinance does not require helmets for most riders, but they are strongly recommended. Helmets are required by law for all operators and passengers on Class 3 e-bikes and for riders under 18 on motorized bicycles. Q: Are e-bikes allowed on sidewalks? A: Yes, you can ride your e-bike on the sidewalk but only if the motor is not engaged. Please walk your e-bike if you are traveling along a sidewalk in a business district, like in downtown Sandusky. Q: Are gas-powered vehicles allowed on shared-use paths? A: Gas-powered vehicles, like actual cars, are not permitted. Q: How will all of this be enforced? A: Sandusky police enforce these rules. Most violations are classified as minor misdemeanors. A second violation within one year is a fourth-degree misdemeanor. Subsequent violations within one year are third-degree misdemeanors. The city's goal is education first. New signage is being installed at trailheads and key locations along the pathway to help all users understand the rules as they ride.