With a new state law allowing bikes and scooters to ride on sidewalks beginning Oct. 1, the Ocean City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to prohibit such activity in town.
In a 7-0 vote, the City Council agreed to move forward with an ordinance that will prohibit the use of bikes, e-bikes and scooters on city sidewalks.
While state law was recently changed to allow for the operation of such vehicles on sidewalks, it also provides a carve-out for jurisdictions to impose their own restrictions.
“It would be simple to keep it prohibited,” said Sgt. Nathan Kutz of the Ocean City Police Department patrol division.
Both Kutz and Public Works Director Hal Adkins came before the City Council this week to make their recommendation against bike and scooter use on sidewalks, pointing to the walkways’ five-foot width and the various impediments that make them more challenging to navigate in heavy pedestrian traffic.
Adkins also noted that state law currently prohibits the use of bicycles – which, by definition, includes e-bikes and electric scooters – on sidewalks. He said adopting an ordinance would continue that practice in Ocean City after state law goes into effect Oct. 1.
“I ask you to remember the words ‘status quo,’” he told the council this week.
So, now after marking “bicycle lanes” in roadways across the State, the lunatics in Annapolis legalize sidewalk surfing. Can’t wait for their efforts to legalize camping in public spaces next year!