Waxhaw leaders updated regulations governing bicycles, electric bikes and motorized scooters in an effort to prioritize pedestrian safety and clarify where different devices may operate.
The Waxhaw Board of Commissioners adopted the new ordinance in a board meeting on Feb. 10, establishing clear rules as the use of e-bikes and other motorized devices continues to increase. The changes take effect Monday.
Under the updated regulations, electric bicycles, electric scooters and other motorized recreational devices are banned from sidewalks, which are designated primarily for pedestrian use. Traditional bicycles and non-motorized devices such as skateboards may still operate on sidewalks unless otherwise posted.
“As the use of e-bikes and motorized devices has grown, we’ve seen increased safety concerns on sidewalks and shared-use paths,” Police Chief Dexter Wilson said in a release. “This ordinance provides clear expectations for where devices can operate and allows officers to address unsafe behavior when necessary.”
The regulations require operators on sidewalks to yield to pedestrians at all times, provide an audible signal before passing, and travel at speeds not exceeding 10 mph.
On town greenways and in parks, all regulated devices are limited to 15 mph. Bicyclists must ride single file and stay to the right except when passing, and walkers and runners have the right-of-way.
On public streets, bicycles and e-bikes must follow all traffic laws applicable to motor vehicles. Operators must ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable and may not ride more than two abreast except on designated bicycle lanes.
The ordinance requires operators under age 16 to wear properly fitted bicycle helmets when riding on public streets, sidewalks, parks or other town property. All helmets must meet U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission standards.
Any regulated device operated on a street at night must be equipped with a white front light and red rear reflector or light, both visible from at least 300 feet.
Violations carry a civil penalty of up to $50. Law enforcement officers may also impound devices operated in violation of the ordinance until corrective action is taken or penalties are satisfied.
