The Centralia City Council passed an ordinance at its regular meeting on Monday to regulate low-speed electric and gas bicycles on city streets. These powered bicycles will now be required to be registered with the police department and go through inspection. Registration will require a $20 fee and will provide an annual tag for each powered bicycle. The ordinance also states that these bicycles cannot be operated on sidewalks or while under the influence. This ordinance is based on a similar ordinance passed in Olney earlier this year.
Mayor Bryan Kuder says that the ordinance is a response to the electric and gas-powered bicycles becoming a public safety hazard.
“I’ve seen them racing up and down the sidewalks, all over the streets. I had one just two weeks ago pass me on the left going through an intersection. No more than two blocks later I had a kid pass me on one on the sidewalk,” Kuder said. “I’ve seen them blow right through red lights, right through stop signs, I’ve seen people almost get hit on them… I hope we can enforce (the ordinance) and slow down the pace of people on these motorized vehicles.”
Inspections will determine whether the bicycles are in safe mechanical condition. Bikes are required to have brakes, a white light on the front and a reflector or red light on the back. They cannot have excessive noise or be equipped with an internal combustion engine without an efficient muffler. The ordinance will go into effect on June 1. Fines will be between $75 and $750 per violation. Repeat violations will result in impoundment.
The council also approved a facade improvement grant from TIF #3 to Dimond Brothers Insurance to improve awnings and signage. The total project will be $30,699, with a maximum TIF grant of $12,000.
The next council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 27, instead of the usual Monday due to Memorial Day.
