(Estherville)--The Estherville City Council Monday evening narrowly approved the first reading of an ordinance that would establish a 10 mph speed limit for all wheeled devices on public sidewalks in the city outside the central business district. The move is in response to concerns about electric scooters and bikes being operated on sidewalks in an unsafe manner. Council member Roy Gage supported the measure. He said it cover all types of wheeled vehicles driven on sidewalks not just scooters.
Gage admits it would be hard to enforce in general but could be used in problem areas. He said it would also be helpful to parents.
Council member David Hovinga opposed the ordinance for several reasons.
A motion by Hovinga to reject the ordinance was defeated by a vote of 4 to 3. A motion by Gage to approve the first reading of the ordinance then passed by vote of 4 to 3. A motion by Gage to waive the 2nd and 3rd readings failed with three yes votes, less than the six required for passage.
Current city code bans wheeled devices on sidewalks in the central business district with a few exceptions. City Administrator Penny Clayton says it was the consensus of the council to educate the public about the ordinance.
Clayton says the city will again stencil No Bikes on the downtown sidewalks. The council will consider the 2nd reading of the 10 mph limit ordinance at their next meeting. The public is encouraged to let city officials and council members know how they feel about the issue.
