Council introduces bike proposals

NORWALK — Proposed e-bike registration and downtown sidewalk restrictions will undergo further review after residents and council members raised concerns about safety, transportation and penalties during Tuesday's city council work session. Here's what happened: What is being proposed Council president Stephen Euton and councilman Steve Gfell introduced the two proposals to address bicycle identification and pedestrian safety. One would require e-bikes to be registered through the fire department, with a fee of up to $10. Registration plates would use different colors to identify each bike's class, helping officers distinguish between models subject to different operating restrictions. Registration would remain valid for the bike's lifetime unless ownership changed. Owners would also receive information about safe riding and applicable laws. Officials said registration could help identify and recover stolen bikes. Council members also discussed whether electric scooters should be included. The second proposal would prohibit riding bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, skateboards and other listed devices on designated downtown sidewalks. Wheelchairs and motorized wheelchairs would be exempt. Officials said riders could walk their bicycles through those areas. They emphasized that the proposal would not require children to ride in the street. The boundaries also remain under discussion. The agenda packet listed Woodlawn Avenue as one end of the restricted area along Main Street, but a revised version presented Tuesday moved that boundary to Foster Street because of concerns about access to school. Residents raise concerns Residents questioned whether sidewalk restrictions would make trips to school and downtown businesses harder, particularly for children and older adults. Some said they felt safer riding on sidewalks than in traffic. Others noted that e-bikes can be heavy and difficult to push between businesses. Suggestions included bicycle lanes, rider education and more information about crashes involving pedestrians. Councilwoman Ashleigh Couch raised concerns that children might ride in the street to avoid walking their bikes. She also questioned misdemeanor penalties for children riding on sidewalks. Councilman Drew Burge questioned whether the proposal would affect too many types of riders because of unsafe behavior by some. As drafted, the sidewalk proposal would make a first violation a minor misdemeanor, with higher misdemeanor charges for repeat offenses within a year. Officials said police would retain discretion to issue warnings. Supporters cited fast-moving bicycles and scooters, limited visibility near storefront entrances and the risk of collisions with pedestrians. Euton said the goal is to prevent avoidable accidents and improve safety for riders, pedestrians and drivers. A few parents in the audience expressed unease about children facing misdemeanor charges for riding their bikes. "This is a discussion. This is a proposal," Gfell said, explaining that the safety committee would consider suggestions before the measures return to council. "This has never been intended to be the finished product right now." Council members stressed that the committee's review would give them time to consider those competing concerns and refine the proposals with public input. Neither proposal has been approved. Both are headed to council's safety committee for more discussion and possible changes before returning to the full council. Officials said the measures would not come up for a vote Sept. 15. Euton emphasized that the proposals are a starting point. "We want a good result, not necessarily a speedy result," Euton said. The safety committee consists of council members, with councilwoman Samantha Wilhelm serving as chair. Residents will not serve on the committee, but its meetings will be open to the public and announced in advance. Officials encouraged residents to share concerns and suggestions as the proposals are developed. Public participation during committee discussions will be managed by the chair.