Fort Thomas officials are moving forward with a plan to limit where electric bicycles and scooters can travel within city limits. The proposal, currently under discussion by the city council, would require riders to stay on the roadway rather than using sidewalks, a change that could affect dozens of students who ride to school each day.
Why the change is being considered
Fort Thomas schools reopened for in‑person instruction only a week ago, and many families rely on walking or riding to get children to class because the district does not provide bus service. City leaders say the growing presence of high‑speed e‑bikes—some capable of 25 to 40 miles per hour—has raised safety concerns for pedestrians, especially in busy downtown areas and near school zones.
“We’ve had concerns, and there have been a few instances where pedestrians were approached at a high rate of speed,” said Councilmember Ben Pendery. “Sidewalks are meant for pedestrians, bicycles going 10‑15 miles per hour. Many of these e‑bikes can go 25 up to 40 miles per hour. In our opinion, there’s just no place for that on the sidewalk.”
Public input and resident reactions
Local residents have voiced mixed opinions. Sandy Walkehorst, a Fort Thomas homeowner, expressed confusion about why anyone would ride a motorized vehicle on a sidewalk. “When I ride an e‑bike, it’s on the road,” she said.
Jane Petracco, another resident, worries that moving the devices onto the street could create new hazards. “I’m not too happy about it because I feel like there’s more danger in the streets with the kids having their scooters in the street, and yet when they’re on the sidewalk, that’s another issue, because there are people, pedestrians walking,” she explained.
Current draft and enforcement
The draft ordinance does not call for a blanket sidewalk ban on scooters, but it does restrict them in designated “walk‑your‑bike” zones that cover the busiest parts of the city. Violators would receive a warning for a first offense, with fines applied to repeat offenders. Councilmember Pendery indicated that the city will continue to gather community feedback before any vote.
Next steps
A council vote on the proposal could occur next month, giving residents additional time to comment. The city plans to hold public hearings and solicit written input, emphasizing a balance between walkability, safety, and the convenience of students who rely on e‑bikes and scooters for transportation.
As the discussion progresses, Fort Thomas officials say they remain committed to protecting pedestrians while recognizing the role that electric mobility plays in daily life for many families.
Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.
