University Park trustees discuss updating code to regulate e-bikes and scooters amid safety concerns

The Village of University Park board discussed a proposed amendment to the municipal code (Title 10) to add electric bicycles and scooters to existing rules covering bicycles, motorcycles and other small vehicles.

Why it matters: As e-bikes and scooters become more common, the board said it wants rules and enforcement that protect pedestrians and children without exceeding state law limitations on unregistered devices.

Trustee comments and police input framed the discussion. Trustees described dangerous riding behavior near schools and parks and asked that the village consider age limits, lighting/reflector requirements and a public-education campaign. "We don't want them riding on sidewalks when children are getting out of school," Trustee Jenkins Bell said. Police Chief Starks recommended establishing bike lanes and treating higher-speed electric devices as vehicles that should not operate on sidewalks. He noted Illinois does not require helmets statewide and said the village could only encourage helmet use, not mandate it under state law; he also said registration and speed regulation are limited when devices are treated as bicycles.

Trustees and staff discussed using Ride Illinois and other model ordinances as a template, adding lighting and reflector rules and possibly creating targeted bike lanes on key streets such as Blackhawk. Manager Scott said the existing bicycle ordinance dates to the 1980s and needs updating; trustees asked for a working draft reflecting local priorities, enforcement options and a public-information campaign.

What’s next: Staff will collect proposed language and best-practice elements (including lighting/reflection standards and optional age limits) and return an updated ordinance draft for board review and refinement.