FOX CITIES, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Neenah, Menasha and Fox Crossing are teaming up to form a uniform ordinance aimed at curbing reckless e-bike riding.
Kaukauna updated its ordinance last month.
“It’s something that we just needed to do to help hopefully curve the people who are abusing the e-bikes on the paths and anywhere else,” said Neenah Police Chief Aaron Olson.
The primary reason why the communities are working together is because of the Loop the Lake Trail, which runs through all three communities. It would be confusing if e-bikers were subject to different laws in different parts of the trail.
Neenah, Menasha and Fox Crossing ordinances include:
- Children under 16 must wear a helmet
- Adults should ride on the road but as close to the curb as possible, or on a bike trail
- No passengers allowed, even they’re in a wagon behind you
- No racing, stunts or tricks
- Ticketed for any violations
The law addresses safety, as e-bikes are becoming more popular.
“We’re definitely seeing people buying them to commute to work or using them to replace a vehicle,” said Lora Glaser, co-owner of Recyclist Bicycle Company in Kaukauna. “That is becoming a little bit more common.”
The Kaukauna Common Council approved a similar ordinance last month, which includes all the same aspects, except for officially requiring a helmet.
“We just don’t want a fatality or an accident to happen,” said Mayor Tony Penterman. “So, we just want to promote safe scooters, safe e-biking, just to keep our community and our kids safe.”
Added Glaser, “We keep seeing in the news people getting hurt, and a lot of that can be eliminated by knowing the rules of the road and where you can legally ride your bike and how fast.”
The Appleton Police Department cracked down on the reckless e-bike riding last year.
Neenah and Kaukauna will also prohibit riding e-bikes throughout their downtown areas. Neenah, Menasha and Fox Crossing’s ordinances are subject to final approval from their councils and board.
