BROOKINGS (10-30-26) — The City of Brookings has some new ordinances regarding e-bikes and e-scooters.
The City Council passed those new rules during this week’s meeting. Brookings City Council Member Brianna Doran… “The maximum speed on trails and shared-use pathways is 15 miles per hour. That is determined or defined as pedestrian speed. So on sidewalks, scooters and other permitted devices they must travel at that speed.”
She said a lot of these rules are simply about safety and common sense… “Another reminder — pedestrians always have the right of way. So bicyclists, other users need to yield to pedestrians as well as other slower moving users. Just looking out for each other really. And then Class 1 and Class 2 electric bikes are allowed on trails. Class 3 electric bikes which can provide assistance up to 28 miles per hour are not permitted.”
Doran said they’re not looking to ticket people; they just want see better safety on bike trails and sidewalks in the city… “Call the Parks, Rec and Forestry Department if you have questions, because this whole new process is going to be about education rather than enforcement. So there is a pretty comprehensive public awareness campaign that the department is going to be putting out. They’re partnering with our law enforcement partners, they’re partnering with non-profits, the schools, the community at tabling events and community fairs.”
City Manager Paul Briseno also reminds cyclists to obey the rules of the road when on city streets… “When a bicycle is on a road, they should be operating just as a vehicle. So they should be flowing the same traffic direction as a vehicle. Ideally it’d be nice if they wear helmets. Anyone over 18 you don’t have to wear a helmet. There are some state rules and regulations on helmets and safety as well. So there’s some nuance there. But most importantly, we want to make sure people understand the laws of the road as they’re out there.”
The complete ordinance is posted at the City of Brookings Website.
Anyone with questions about the new e-bike and e-scooter rules should contact the Brookings City Park, Rec and Forestry department.
— Brookings Radio News
