Petoskey tables proposed ban on biking on downtown sidewalks; council asks boards for input

The Petoskey City Council on May 7 deferred a proposed ordinance that would regulate where bicycles may be ridden on downtown sidewalks, asking for formal input from the Downtown Management Board (DMB) and the Parks and Recreation Commission before taking further action.

Council discussion — which ran for more than an hour — repeatedly framed the issue as a balance between pedestrian safety and bicycle access. Supporters of the proposed restriction said sidewalk cycling near businesses creates unsafe interactions between pedestrians and faster-moving cycles; opponents, and several business and cycling advocates, said a citywide non‑motorized transportation plan and off‑street alternatives should be in place before the city imposes fines or prohibitions.

A downtown property owner who spoke during public comment said the item had not appeared on the DMB agenda and described a process concern: “This item was never on the agenda for the downtown management board. Downtown business owners have been deprived of the opportunity to discuss, to weigh in, and to educate themselves,” the speaker said, urging a more transparent review. Emily Meyerson, who identified herself during public comment, argued a formal non‑motorized plan should be completed first: “To create a law and hurting people who are doing those things before you finish that plan, I think is a mistake.”

Councilors agreed to seek written recommendations from both advisory boards and to add the item to the boards’ agendas. The council also discussed scheduling a focused session or special meeting to consider narrower, consensus items ahead of the summer visitor season.

Outcome and next steps: The ordinance remains at first reading; staff will arrange for the Downtown Management Board and the Parks & Rec Commission to evaluate the proposal and return recommendations to council.