City Administration Seeks New Authority to Regulate Bike Paths

The last set of rules on the city's bike paths were written in 1974 and quite a bit has changed.

In the heart of our city's legislative framework lies a chapter in the Code of Ordinances that, while small, plays a pivotal role in shaping the community's mobility - the regulations concerning bike paths. Crafted in 1974, this chapter outlines the specifics of regulated bike paths in our community, detailing the types of vehicles permitted on these paths. However, nearly five decades have passed since its inception, and the landscape of urban mobility, particularly concerning bike paths, has evolved dramatically.

The expansion of the city's bike path system from its humble beginnings in the mid-1970s is nothing short of impressive. Alongside this growth, the advent of electric bicycles has introduced a new dimension to cycling, offering an alternative that blends traditional biking with the benefits of technological advancement. These electric bikes, which don't require continuous pedaling, signify a shift in how we perceive and utilize bike paths.

Acknowledging these changes, the city administration proposes significant amendments to the bike path regulations. This initiative, aimed at modernizing the existing code, will be deliberated by the city council's law and ordinance committee. The proposed amendments seek to transfer the authority to designate new bike lanes and shared-use paths from the city council to the administration. This change could also streamline the implementation of the city's Complete Streets Policy, which focuses on creating a more inclusive and comprehensive network of shared-use paths and dedicated bike lanes.

However, the path to enhancing bike infrastructure is fraught with challenges, as evidenced by the controversial rollout of bike lanes in the past. The administration's previous attempts to introduce new bike lanes, such as the Adams Street and Water Street projects, were marred by poor communication and public discontent, particularly over the loss of parking spaces. These instances raise concerns about future projects' transparency and public engagement.

Moreover, the administration seeks to amend Section 375.03, clarifying the types of vehicles allowed on bike lanes and shared-use paths. This amendment aims to align city laws with the Ohio Revised Code, particularly regarding the classification of electric bikes. Such a change would grant the city administration, and not city council, the discretion to decide which classes of electric bikes are permissible on local paths, underscoring the need for a tailored approach to mobility that reflects the community's unique needs and preferences.

The proposed amendments, however, are enveloped in ambiguity, primarily because the specifics of the new ordinance have yet to be fully disclosed. This situation places the Law and Ordinance Committee in a position to endorse a yet-to-be-finalized ordinance, highlighting the need for clarity and transparency in the decision-making process.

As residents of this vibrant community, it's crucial to stay informed and engaged with the developments that shape our city's mobility landscape. The Civic Capacity Newsletter is dedicated to connecting you with the decisions that impact our community. We encourage you to share your thoughts and insights, as your participation is invaluable in shaping a more connected and mobile city for all.

Our community should whole-heartedly embrace this opportunity to modernize our bike paths, fostering an environment that supports sustainable and efficient urban mobility. Your voice and involvement are key to ensuring that these changes reflect our community's diverse needs and aspirations. But those efforts to foster dialouge must be a community-based effort and as constituents, we should demand our voice is heard through our elected officials, not through unelected bureaucrats.