ROCHESTER, Mich. – City leaders in Rochester are weighing a proposal to regulate bikes, e-bikes, and motorized devices on certain downtown sidewalks and to create a “pedestrian safety zone.”
The ordinance, presented to the Rochester City Council by police Chief George T. Rouhib Jr., of the Rochester Police Department, would require riders to dismount and walk their bikes or devices along a stretch of Main Street from Second Street to Romeo Road.
“It’s based on the complaints that we get from business owners and citizens,” the chief told council members as he outlined the plan in a city council meeting.
Some pedestrians told Local 4 they support adding regulations.
“I do think you shouldn’t be blasting through downtown on an e-bike,” Sarah said. “ It’s like common sense. You shouldn’t be blasting through on any kind of bike because you might crash into somebody.”
The proposal is aimed at improving safety for people on foot and reducing conflicts on sidewalks, the chief said, calling them narrow.
“The bottom line is they’re way too narrow,” the chief said during the meeting.
A rough measurement along one portion of Main Street showed the sidewalk to be just over 14 feet wide, but obstacles such as planters, signs, and patio areas further limit the space available for bikes and pedestrians to navigate.
Emily, who walks downtown with her children, said she hopes the change is approved.
“Yeah, especially because they’re kids, they’re a little harder to see, so it’s really scary with them when people are going really fast,” Emily said.
Not everyone is on board.
One woman Local 4 spoke with off-camera said she opposes the plan, arguing the proposed zone is too long to require riders to walk their bikes rather than ride them.
The draft ordinance includes fines of up to $100 for a first offense.
It also specifies that the rules would not apply to people with disabilities who rely on motorized devices for mobility.
A city hall staff member said the proposal is expected to come back before the City Council next month.