A man bikes through downtown Kearney, residents are asked to dismount and walk their bike through the downtown area, (Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today)
KEARNEY — The Kearney city council reviewed numerous proposed code amendments relating especially to electric bikes, electric scooters, ATVs, UTVS, etc. during their meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 14.
Bradley DeMers, Assistant to the City Manager, appeared before the council and noted that the Kearney Police Department and City of Kearney have received a number of public concerns about electric bikes, scooters and similar devices, especially when used by minors.
After review and discussion, staff recommend updates to the city code to improve safety, clarify permitted uses, and promote responsible transportation. Staff also recommended amendments to the code regarding ATVs, UTVs, and golf carts DeMers said.
Currently, Kearney’s city code does not specifically address or regulate the general use of bicycles, electric bicycles, electric foot scooters, ATVs, UTVs, and golf cart vehicles.
“The amendments to Kearney City Code propose defining bicycle, class I, II, and III electric
bicycles, electric foot scooters, electric personal assistive mobility devices, ATVs, UTVs, and
golf cart vehicles. All definitions, excluding electric foot scooter, originated from state statute,” according to the City of Kearney.
Class I e-bikes are classified as those requiring pedaling, have a maximum speed of 20 mph and are used on trails, sidewalks and fitness rides.
Class II e-bikes are classified as those with motors that can assist without pedaling, have speeds above 20 mph and is used for commuting, casual rides and accessibility.
Class III e-bikes are those with speeds over 28 mph and are used for road cycling, faster commutes and will not be allowed on trails.
“Bicycles, class I, II, and III electric bicycles, and electric foot scooters would continue to be prohibited on Downtown sidewalks and Class III electric bicycles would be prohibited on City trails, which follows the Park and Recreation Department’s Regulations approved by the City Council,” according to the City of Kearney.
Bicycles and class I, II, and III electric bicycles, and electric foot scooters would be allowed on
public streets.
“Any person who rides on the street would be required to clearly signal their intention for turning left and right by utilizing hand signals. Additionally, such person shall ride as near to the right side of the street as practical exercising due care,” per the City of Kearney.
One exception, due to safety and speed concerns, is that electric foot scooters would be
prohibited from operating on any public street with a posted speed limit of 35 mph.
DeMers said that currently, the use of an all-terrain vehicle, utility-type vehicle, or golf cart vehicles is not addressed in City Code. The proposed regulations state that all-terrain vehicle, utility-type vehicle, or golf cart vehicles are prohibited on any street or sidewalk within the city.
There would be allowances for parades or community events, snow removal or government operations by a political subdivision or utility operations by a private or public company.
Members of the council asked what the penalty would be for violating these proposed restrictions on these types of vehicles.
Kearney Police Department Chief Gabe Kowalek said these violations could result in a traffic infraction and that officers would be focused on educating the public about the changes relating to these vehicles.
City Manager Brendan Jensen said that these proposed changes are “very relevant” and noted that communities across the state have also been discussing similar changes to their codes.
Council member Alex Straatmann said he is glad to see these changes being proposed as the city is being proactive rather than reacting to a tragedy.
The council voted to approved the ordinance amending the city code.
