Reading · Signal American

A Message from the Mayor

Dear Weiser residents, business owners, parents, and visitors:

As electric bicycles, electric scooters, and other personal mobility devices become more common in our community, I believe it is important that we take a thoughtful look at how we can keep Weiser safe, accessible, and fun for everyone.

This is a discussion proposal, not an ordinance. It has not yet been presented to the Weiser Chief of Police or the Weiser City Council for consideration or approval. Before any formal action is taken, I want to hear from our residents, downtown businesses, parents, pedestrians, cyclists, and other community members.

Weiser has a special small-town character. Our historic downtown is a place where people walk, shop, visit with friends, attend events, and enjoy our community. We should make sure that everyone – from children on bicycles to senior citizens walking downtown – can enjoy these spaces safely.

A Possible Downtown Restriction

One idea I would like the community to consider is establishing a designated Downtown Business District where bicycles, electric bicycles, electric scooters, and similar personal mobility devices would not be ridden on sidewalks or through the pedestrian-oriented business area. We do not intend to change the use of any electric form of transportation used by anybody disabled or dependent on an e-chair of any kind.

This proposal is intended to address pedestrian safety and congestion in the busiest parts of downtown.

This would not mean that people cannot use bicycles or e-bikes to get downtown. The goal would be to provide appropriate areas where riders can safely travel, park, walk their bicycles or devices, and access downtown businesses.

Any boundaries, exceptions, signage, or specific streets would need to be carefully reviewed with the Police Department, City staff, affected businesses, and the City Council before anything is adopted.

Idaho law recognizes that electric-assisted bicycles generally have the same rights and duties as bicycles and allows their use to be restricted by local ordinance or appropriate signage in areas where local authorities have jurisdiction.

Pedestrians Come First

Where bicycles, e-bikes, or similar devices are permitted, I believe we should make the following principles clear:

• Pedestrians always come first.

• Riders should slow down and give pedestrians plenty of room.

• Riders should use a bell or other audible warning before passing.

• Riders should never operate at a speed that creates a danger to pedestrians.

• Devices should never block entrances, sidewalks, curb ramps, fire lanes, or business access.

• When a sidewalk or area becomes crowded, riders should dismount and walk their device.

Idaho law already requires a person operating a bicycle on a sidewalk to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and provide an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian or another bicyclist.

Safety Gear

I would also like the community to consider encouraging – and, if appropriate after legal review, establishing local requirements for – basic safety equipment.

That could include:

Properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmets, particularly for children and young riders.

Front and rear lights when riding after dark.

Reflective equipment or clothing for nighttime visibility.

Working brakes and properly maintained equipment.

Bells or other audible warning devices where appropriate.

The goal should be prevention and education first, especially when children and young riders are involved.

Speed and Safe Riding

Rather than creating a complicated system of fines, I believe our first priority should be education, clear signage, and common-sense safety.

Possible guidelines for consideration include:

Sidewalks where riding is permitted: Maintain a slow, pedestrian-friendly speed.

Parks and multi-use trails: Ride at a safe speed appropriate for the number of pedestrians and other trail users.

Public streets: Follow Idaho traffic laws and operate the device in a safe and responsible manner.

Any specific speed limits should be reviewed by the Police Department and City Attorney to make sure they are consistent with Idaho law and practical to enforce.

Education Before Punishment

At this stage, I am not proposing a new schedule of local fines.

Instead, I would like us to consider a common-sense approach that emphasizes:

• Public education.

• Clear signs explaining the rules.

• Warnings and voluntary compliance whenever appropriate.

• Safe alternatives for riders.

• Consistent enforcement of whatever rules are ultimately adopted.

Existing Idaho traffic laws would continue to apply. Any new local penalties or enforcement provisions should be separately reviewed and considered through the appropriate City process.

Let’s Work Together

This proposal is meant to start a conversation – not end one.

I want to hear from:

• Downtown business owners.

• Parents and families.

• Senior citizens and pedestrians.

• Bicycle and e-bike riders.

• People who use mobility devices.

• Police officers and first responders.

• City employees.

• Our young people.

• Anyone who lives, works, shops, or visits in Weiser.

Our downtown is an important part of what makes Weiser special. The City describes Historic Downtown Weiser as a place where people stroll, shop, and enjoy its historic character.

Let’s find a solution that protects that character while allowing people to enjoy modern transportation and recreation.

This proposal has not been approved by the City Council and has not yet been reviewed by the Chief of Police. It is being presented for public discussion and feedback.

Please share your thoughts, concerns, and ideas.

Let’s make it safe.

Let’s make it welcoming.

And most of all, let’s make it fun for all of Weiser. • Police officers and first responders.