Council adopts ordinance adding e-bikes and scooters rules and updates beach regulations

The Blaine City Council on May 4 approved amendments to municipal code chapter 82 to add electric-assisted bicycles and motorized scooters to local traffic rules and to update beach regulations for the coming season.

Deputy Chief Gerhard told the council the ordinance adds state statute definitions and creates a careless-operation misdemeanor with an option for a 30-day impound, requires helmets for riders under 18, prohibits operation in business districts and reinforces a 20 mph statutory speed ceiling. "Some of the things the police department is doing this summer is working with the school districts and educating parents and students," Deputy Chief Gerhard said.

Director Krieger described beach-rule updates and said the changes are intended to make the beach safe and family friendly for the 17th summer of operation; council approved the second reading of the ordinance and moved it forward for implementation before the beach opens May 26.

Councilmembers asked about bike-lane safety and enforcement priorities, with Councilmember Larson expressing concern about narrow bike lanes and potential conflicts between cyclists, scooter riders and pedestrians. The council approved the ordinance amendment on a vote.

Next steps: police and parks staff will roll out education and enforcement efforts this summer, and the city will publish the ordinance summary as allowed under statute.