By Gage Wilson
For Glasgow News 1
Glasgow City Council gave final approval Monday to an ordinance regulating electric bicycles and scooters within city limits, establishing new safety requirements and restrictions aimed particularly at younger riders.
The ordinance passed its second reading with little discussion, following its introduction at the council’s Sept. 28 meeting. The regulations address where electric bicycles and scooters may be operated, how riders must navigate traffic and what safety precautions are required.
Under the ordinance, riders younger than 18 must wear helmets, while those under 16 are prohibited from operating Class 3 electric bicycles, which can provide motor assistance at speeds of up to 28 mph. Younger riders also face restrictions on the types of electric scooters they may operate.
The regulations generally prohibit electric bicycles and scooters on sidewalks outside residential areas. Children 12 and younger may operate certain devices on residential sidewalks under direct adult supervision, provided they do not exceed 10 mph.
Additional provisions address nighttime visibility, passenger restrictions and compliance with traffic laws. The ordinance also prohibits racing, stunt riding and modifications intended to increase a device’s speed.
Glasgow Police Chief Guy Howie previously explained that the regulations were developed in response to safety concerns involving young riders. He cited several close calls involving electric bicycles and scooters on busy city streets, including Happy Valley Road and South Green Street.
During the ordinance’s first reading, Councilwoman Marna Kirkpatrick questioned language requiring riders to maintain a reasonable speed based on road and traffic conditions. Howie explained that enforcement would depend partly on officers’ discretion.
The police department has also worked to inform parents and students about the regulations, with Howie previously noting the importance of establishing the rules ahead of the holiday shopping season, when electric bicycles and scooters may be purchased as gifts.
In other business, three Glasgow Police Department officers were recognized following their promotions. John Wallen and Jarrett Graber were promoted to sergeant, while Cameron Murrell was promoted to lieutenant.
Wallen has nearly nine years of law enforcement experience, including work in criminal investigations and federal task force operations. He also serves as a departmental training officer and defensive tactics instructor.
Graber, who graduated from the police academy in 2023, holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Bethel University.
Murrell, who joined the Glasgow Police Department in 2016, previously served as a sergeant and has been involved with the department’s Collision Reconstruction Team for approximately eight years. He has also served with the Barren County Tactical Unit for roughly three years.
The next meeting of the council is scheduled for Oct. 26.
Key Facts:
– Glasgow City Council gave final approval to an ordinance regulating electric bicycles and scooters within city limits.
– The rules require helmets for riders younger than 18 and bar those under 16 from operating Class 3 e-bikes.
– Electric bicycles and scooters are generally prohibited on sidewalks outside residential areas.
– Children 12 and younger may ride certain devices on residential sidewalks under direct adult supervision at 10 mph or less.
– Police Chief Guy Howie said the rules were developed after safety concerns and close calls involving young riders on busy streets.
– Council members recognized three Glasgow officers: John Wallen and Jarrett Graber were promoted to sergeant, and Cameron Murrell to lieutenant.
Comments