Fort Thomas city council introduced the first reading of a new bike ordinance aimed at regulating the use of e-bikes, electric scooters and other forms of motorized single transportation.
On Monday, Fort Thomas city council and the local community discussed the first reading of the new bike ordinance, mainly its lack of helmet requirements and the reconsideration of “traffic calming measures”.
“I do understand other people’s concerns, and right now what my concern is to get started on this and move forward so that we can pick a direction and then revisit it if we need to,” said Council Member Adam Blau.
Public comments consisted of the lack of safety with the omission of helmet requirements, citing the lasting effects a potential traumatic brain injury can have on a child. The public is asking city council to reconsider and require helmets for minors.
Police Chief Casey Kilgore agrees with the safety implications of helmets but prefers to build education on helmet use and community organizing on bike safety rather than enforcing punishment.
“If it’s a city ordinance and people aren’t doing it, we’re going to be called out and stop children and tell them they have to put on a helmet or else they’re going to get a ticket,” said Kilgore.
Ordinance Number O-09-2026 addresses the rising interest in regulating electric mobility devices on public property. The first draft of the ordinance states that motorized electric devices must follow roadway rules and are prohibited on sidewalks unless on residential streets. Even while on a sidewalk, riders must notify pedestrians when turning or passing.
All central business district areas in Fort Thomas will be considered “walk your bike” zones.
During the night, riders must have some sort of light or light-reflective gear on the device to be seen by other drivers and pedestrians.
Failure to comply with these regulations will result in warnings and potential fines of up to $100 as the number of offenses increases.
“I really think we have to be careful about making this a realistic law so that it can be enforced,” said Council Member Ben Pendery.
During the meeting, council also discussed repealing the past bike ordinance, Ordinance Number O-08-2026, to make modern changes that include not only bikes and rollerblades, but also e-bikes, e-scooters and other electric mobility devices.
“I’m sure we’ll have more conversation between the first reading tonight and next month because it’s a huge topic,” said Pendery. “These are the types of comments and feedback that we greatly appreciate.”
The second reading of the ordinance will be at the next city council meeting on Monday, Sept. 21.
