La Crosse park board recommends code updates to regulate e-bikes and scooters, votes 5–2

The La Crosse Board of Park Commissioners on April 16 recommended that the common council adopt a broad ordinance package updating city rules for electric bicycles, electric scooters and other personal mobility devices.

The board approved the recommendation by a 5–2 vote after a lengthy presentation from Assistant City Attorney Ellen Atterberry and debate over park-specific language, enforcement and accessibility. The ordinance package (agenda item 2060377) repeals and recreates multiple sections of the city code, incorporates state law definitions for e-bikes, and consolidates prior, inconsistent language into new chapters for clarity.

Atterberry told the board the rewrite was aimed at removing redundant and confusing language and aligning local definitions with state law. "We're also incorporating electric scooters and e-bikes into this as well," she said, explaining that the update preserves the parks department's authority and clarifies where different types of devices may be used in parks.

Under the proposal, natural-surface trails and natural areas remain closed to bicycles except where a trail is specifically designated open to bikes. Atterberry said pedal-assist e-bikes (which assist only when the rider pedals) would be allowed on trails designated for bikes, while throttle-driven operation — the push-button acceleration sometimes associated with class 2 and 3 bikes — would be prohibited on many park trails to discourage high-speed use.

Resident Greg Pepin urged the commission during public comment to explicitly prohibit bicycles on Riverside Park sidewalks, calling the park "a very unique park" with heavy pedestrian use and saying sidewalk biking there was "an accident that's waiting to happen." Several commissioners expressed sympathy with Pepin's concern and discussed the possibility of recommending an amendment to exclude Riverside sidewalks; others warned that enforcement resources are limited.

Council member Nicole, the council sponsor of the city file, urged the board to weigh accessibility concerns, saying some elderly and disabled residents rely on e-bikes for mobility. "We're hearing more and more, elderly and those with various disabilities that are now starting to rely on especially e-bikes for getting around," she said, and encouraged the board to be inclusive while acknowledging enforcement challenges.

Board members also discussed enforcement options. Atterberry and staff advised residents to document infractions — take photos or video and report them to the police — because the city lacks the manpower for extensive proactive enforcement. Director Jay (Building & Grounds) said the Park Board's recommendation will be included in the file the common council reviews and that council members could offer amendments before a final vote.

The board's recommendation now moves to the common council. The Park Board recorded its recommendation vote as 5 in favor and 2 opposed; commissioners who opposed raised concerns about penalizing riders and preferred additional outreach or data collection before broad changes.

What happens next: the common council will review the ordinance package and may accept, modify or reject the Park Board’s recommendation. Staff said an amendment to prohibit sidewalk biking in Riverside Park could be routed with the board's recommendation if a council member formally requests it prior to the council review.