Aurora City Council advances electric bike, scooter safety ordinance

Aurora City Council advanced Ordinance 2026-155 during its Sept. 28 meeting, establishing new rules for electric bikes, scooters, and micromobility devices to enhance safety and regulate usage citywide. The measure, informed by policies from 20 other communities and guidance from the Ohio Municipal League, sets speed limits, helmet requirements for minors, and restrictions on sidewalk use for certain devices. The ordinance marks a key step in addressing growing demand for micromobility options while balancing public safety and infrastructure challenges. Aurora City Council advanced a comprehensive electric bike and scooter ordinance during its Sept. 28 meeting, marking a significant step in shaping the city’s approach to micromobility. The measure, Ordinance 2026-155, revises portions of Aurora’s traffic code to regulate bicycles, electric bicycles, low-speed micromobility devices, and personal assistive mobility devices. Law Director Dean DePiero noted the city studied policies from about 20 other communities and received guidance from the Ohio Municipal League to craft a balanced framework. Rules and Safety Measures The proposed rules set a 20 mph speed limit for electric bikes and prohibit reckless riding, towing behind vehicles, or riding on handlebars. Riders must travel in single file on streets, use lights and reflectors, and avoid wearing more than one earphone connected to audio devices. Class 3 electric bikes would be barred from sidewalks and public paths, while devices used by people with disabilities are excluded from most restrictions. Operators and passengers under 16 would be required to wear helmets with fastened chin straps, with parents or guardians potentially held responsible for violations. Police could impound a minor’s device and return it to parents with proof of ownership. DePiero emphasized the goal of fostering parental involvement rather than strict enforcement. Council Feedback and Next Steps Council members raised questions about the age limits and gaps in sidewalk infrastructure that might push riders onto streets. Councilman Ralph Ware suggested the age restrictions might be too strict, while Councilman Scott Wolf noted the absence of electric unicycles in the draft. DePiero said the law director would review the language for clarity. The ordinance will undergo three readings, with amendments due to Clerk of Council Marie Lawrie for consideration at the third reading. Council President George Horvat encouraged schools to incorporate the rules into health education, ensuring children understand the regulations as passengers and riders. School District’s Issue 4 Plan Aurora City Schools Superintendent Dr. Paul Milcetich outlined the district’s $96 million bond proposal for the Nov. 3 ballot, which includes a new elementary school, transportation upgrades, and essential renovations. The plan, at 4.26 mills, carries 44 percent fewer mills than a previous failed proposal. For a home appraised at $400,000, the annual cost would be about $596. The district aims to complete projects over four to five years, with Craddock Elementary remaining open during construction. A local advocacy group, the Citizens Committee for Quality Schools, aims to secure 6,000 yes votes and has raised $7,000 toward a $10,000 goal. The group urged residents to volunteer, donate, and endorse the measure. Rejected Park Utility Bids Council adopted Ordinance 2026-154, rejecting all bids for the Aurora Park Utility Improvement Project due to costs exceeding the engineering estimate by over 20 percent. Public Service Director Harry Stark cited higher material costs and confusion over control systems, with a rebid expected next week using an allowance method. Other council actions included approving employee dental and vision coverage contracts, promoting police officers, and authorizing the sale of a retired police K9. Additional ordinances covered road salt purchases, a solid waste contract with Rumpke, and soil investigations at Aurora Park. The mayor’s report highlighted upcoming events, including the Fall Festival, Shred Day, and the Aurora Trail Challenge, while Finance Director Timothy Clymer noted the general fund is 13 percent ahead of revenue projections through August. Leaf collection begins in mid-October, and a new local bus service connects Aurora’s industrial park to Streetsboro. Sunny Lake Park saw over 100,000 visitors this year, with a feasibility study underway for a second phase of the Aurora Trail.