Cities including Logan are now considering code changes to make them more friendly to micro-mobility devises like these.

LOGAN – The Logan City Council is considering changes to its municipal code to bring the city into the 21st Century with respect to micro-mobility.

“Logan City’s current bicycle code is outdated in terminology and applicability concerning electric-assist devices,” city planner Russ Holley told the members of the city council in a workshop session during the regular meeting on Tuesday evening.

“This proposal creates a legal framework to better regulate where they can safely operate and where they should not be allowed.”

Micro-mobility devices are small, lightweight, personal vehicles operating at speeds below 20 miles-per-hour, Holley explained.

They include bicycles, scooters, electric bikes, electric scooters, electric skateboards, shared bikes, skateboards, rollerblades and other personal transportation devices.

Micro-mobility devices do not include gas-powered scooters or motorcycles.

“Why now?” Holley asked. “National for-rent scooter share companies are interested in establishing a program in Logan and on Utah State University. The university is now in the process of updating its micro-mobility policy. Additionally, these devices are not addressed by Parks and Recreation trails policies.”

A city working group has found that micro-mobility devices are very capability for both recreation and transportation needs.

They are fun to operate, provide healthy exercise and can be a viable alternative to cars. They are relatively inexpensive, require minimal space to park and have minimal environmental impact.

Holley proposed changes to Chapters 10.68 and 10.70 of the city code, which deal with bicycles and skateboards, that would eliminate Police Department inspections and a $1.00 licensing fee, replacing that with a new registration process that is free, easy and may assist in the recovery of stolen property.

Under that proposal, micro-mobility devices would be subject to all applicable traffic laws; require brakes and lights at night; and give right-of-way priority to pedestrians.

Further, the proposed changes to the municipal code would allow micro-mobility devises on city trail and sidewalks, while reserving the right to create mandatory dismount zones and to limit certain trails/sidewalks through traffic signage.

Speed limits may be established in areas to ensure safety and order, Holley explained, and micro-mobility devices cannot be parked on a sidewalk in a manner that blocks pedestrian travel.

“Most people love Cache Valley for the beautiful vistas and natural scenery,” Holley said while urging members of the city council to endorse the proposed code changes. “The continuation of car-centric suburban sprawl is one of the fastest ways to degrade our beautiful valley.”

Holley said suburban sprawl consumes massive amounts of land with ever-widening streets, large parking lots, drive-through lanes and driveways.

More cars pollute the air we breathe and promote unhealthy lifestyles, he added.

A public hearing on micro-mobility devises will be held at the next meeting of the Logan City Council on May 3.







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