As summer arrives and more residents and visitors enjoy the outdoors, the City of Black River Falls is reminding everyone of Ordinance No. 899, which establishes regulations for the operation of electric bicycles (e-bikes), electric scooters (e-scooters), electric skateboards, hoverboards, and similar electric mobility devices.

The ordinance was adopted to promote public safety and ensure that all residents and visitors can enjoy the City's sidewalks, parks, trails, and downtown area safely.

Under the ordinance, e-bikes, e-scooters, electric skateboards, and electric personal assistive mobility devices are prohibited from operating on sidewalks and crosswalks within the City's Central Business District (downtown). Riders may dismount and walk their devices through these areas.

Outside of downtown, riders may use sidewalks when exercising due care and yielding to pedestrians. Pedestrians always have the right-of-way. Riders must provide warning when passing others and maintain control of their devices at all times.

The ordinance also allows these devices on bicycle-friendly trails, parks, and pathways, provided riders operate safely, follow the rules of the road, yield to pedestrians, and do not exceed 15 miles per hour.

"We want everyone to enjoy the summer season safely," said City Administrator Brad Chown. "These regulations help balance the growing popularity of electric mobility devices with the safety and comfort of pedestrians, families, and visitors in our community."

The City encourages all riders to familiarize themselves with the new regulations before heading out this summer.

For more information, the regulations can be found in Chapter 7, Section 7.21 of the Code of Ordiancnes for the City of Black River Falls – which is available on the City's website – or contact City Hall at (715) 284-2315.