Pittsford village officials are considering tougher enforcement of e-bike and e-scooter rules, including immediate vehicle confiscation and sharply higher fees for repeat violations.
The rate of e-bike-related injuries has risen significantly over the last decade, including a large increase post-COVID, according to a study by theNational Library of Medicine. Data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System shows 45,845 e-bike-related injuries occurring between 2013 and 2022 in the U.S.
Under New York State law, e-bikes and e-scooters have restrictions including:
- Restriction from sidewalks
- Restriction from roads with posted speed limits above 30 miles
- Cannot be operated by individuals 16yrs or younger
- Cannot exceed 20 miles per hour
Municipalities are not required to mirror the state's laws regarding these vehicles; Rochester, for example, allows motorized bikes on sidewalks.
Pittsford makes changes to e-bike and e-scooter regulations
Now, local officials are changing
usage policies to improve safety. The City of Geneva recently adjusted its city code to reflect state law governing the use of e-bikes and scooters.
Pittsford adopted a sidewalk safety law earlier this year. The Village Board is now considering additional changes recommended by the Monroe County Sheriff's Office.
According to Deputy Town Mayor, David Wilkes, the Village’s code regarding sidewalk regulations was previously updated in the 90s. “E-bikes and e-scooters did not exist to the extent they do today, and certainly not with the ability to go, if you unlock them, 30, 40, 50 miles an hour,” Wilkes said. “ So that has been the biggest change for us, is effectively updating our code to match today as it relates to state and county.”
Wilkes has seen an increase in younger families and children walking to school since becoming a Rochester resident in 2022. “We also have an older population that are just trying to go out and walk their dog. It's tough when all of a sudden you don't hear the silent 70-pound bicycle barreling at you.” Wilkes said.
The Village’s initial legislation regarding traffic violations included $100 for each offense.
The Village Board is considering changes that would allow authorities to immediately confiscate certain vehicles involved in violations and increase the fee for recovering a confiscated vehicle from $100 to $500 for a first violation and $2,000 for a subsequent violation. The proposal would more closely mirror Monroe County's approach to illegally operated off-road vehicles.
The Village has also added an amendment for bikers that do not feel comfortable using the roadway. While e-bikes and e-scooters are banned from sidewalks, bikers utilizing a non-motorized bicycle must dismount and walk once they are within 50 feet of pedestrians on the sidewalk.
The Village Board is still drafting the amendments. Wilkes said he expects a public hearing before trustees vote on the changes.
—Genae Shields is the Business and Development Impact Reporter, working on mobility stories that focus on how people get around Rochester. As a member of the local community, Genae enjoys learning about emerging businesses and changes that impact Rochester's BIPOC and LGBTQ neighborhoods. She also enjoys supporting local artists and nonprofit organizations. Reach out at gshields@usatodayco.com or on Instagram:@genaebriphoto for questions, comments, or concerns. Thank you for your continued support!
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Pittsford weighs tougher e-bike rules and higher fees
