(Estherville)– The Estherville City Council Monday evening unanimously approved the third reading granting final adoption to adding e-bikes, scooters and other micromobility devices to an already existing ordinance regulating bicycles in the city.
A separate proposal that would establish a 10 mph speed limit on sidewalks failed a second reading with four voting against the measure and three in favor. It means that proposal is now dead, unless a council member who voted against it has a change of heart and decides to bring it back at a later time. Council member David Hovinga was among those opposed to the measure…
“It seems to me that the previous ordinance that we just passed with micromobility definitions, whatnot, is pretty sufficient for education and whatnot. When it comes to the 10 mph I’ve made it no secret that that just seems unenforceable and unnecessary.”
Council member Julie Clark said having a specified limit would take away any ambiguity…
“You’ve got to start with something. Reckless driving or whatever is so vague. You’ve got to define what reckless is when it comes to speed. And even if you can enforce 10 mph speed limit I trust the officer’s judgement on what excessive would be if we define it at 10 mph.”
The Estherville City Council DID give final approval to another ordinance revision pertaining to ATV’s and off road utility vehicles. City Administrator Penny Clayton says the revision reflects changes in state law.
