New Ordinance in Goodyear Regulates E-Bike and Scooter Usage
In an effort to enhance safety and regulate the growing use of electric bicycles and scooters, the Goodyear City Council has enacted a new ordinance. This legislation imposes age restrictions, enforces traffic laws, and outlines specific operational guidelines for riders.
Key provisions include a prohibition on children under the age of 12 operating these vehicles and a requirement for all operators under 16 to wear helmets. Additionally, the ordinance restricts those under 16 from operating Class 3 e-bikes or carrying passengers.
Riders must adhere to posted speed limits and maintain a speed that is safe given the current conditions, as emphasized by Jose Gonzalez, deputy chief of the Goodyear police. “Individuals utilizing these devices must obey posted speed limits,” Gonzalez stated. “They must ride at a speed that is reasonable and safe for the conditions, and riders must control speeds to avoid hazards or collisions.”
With a unanimous 6-0 vote, the council approved this ordinance. However, Goodyear Mayor Joe Pizzillo was absent during the decision.
The ordinance mandates that e-bikes travel with traffic and prohibits riding more than two abreast. E-bikes are required to use bike lanes or roads, while e-scooters are only allowed on sidewalks where no bike lane exists and if the road’s speed limit exceeds 25 mph.
Another significant aspect of the ordinance is its stance on riding under the influence, making offenders liable under Arizona DUI laws. While the enforcement of certain rules is set to start in November, the DUI regulations are effective immediately.
To educate the public, Gonzalez mentioned a planned six-month educational campaign in collaboration with digital communication partners. “We’re going to take a six-month period to work with our digital communications partners to come up with an educational campaign to really kind of focus on educating our community on the do’s and don’ts of e-devices within our community,” he explained.
Violators of the ordinance face fines starting at $50, escalating to $500 for repeat offenses. Parents are held accountable for fines incurred by minors operating these devices unlawfully. The parks department in Goodyear also has the authority to regulate ridership and speed limits within park areas.
This new measure reflects Goodyear’s commitment to ensuring safety and order as e-bikes and scooters become increasingly popular transportation options.
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