Watertown City Council Considers Downtown Sidewalk Ban for E-Bikes, Scooters and Bicycles
- Steve Jurrens
- 2 hours ago
- 3 min read
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown City Council is weighing a potential ban on wheeled “personal conveyances” on sidewalks in the downtown business district following a steady rise in accidents and pedestrian complaints.
During the August 3, 2026, meeting, the council held a first reading of Ordinance No. 26-30, which amends Chapter 7 of Title 19 regarding bicycles and other personal conveyances. The proposed changes would prohibit riding devices like bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, and skateboards on sidewalks within a specific downtown perimeter.
City Manager Alan Steger introduced the ordinance by acknowledging the complexity of the issue, noting that:
“there isn’t a clear answer of right or wrong as you consider this.”
The primary objective is to improve safety in the few blocks bounded by First Street West, First Avenue North, First Avenue South, and Second Street East.
Rising Complaints and a “Walk Your Wheels” Campaign
Assistant Chief of Police Ryan Remmers detailed the growing friction between motorized vehicles, scooters, and bicycles over the last five years.
According to Remmers, complaints regarding scooters have jumped from 12 in 2019 to 48 last year, with 36 complaints already logged halfway through the current summer. Furthermore, police have recorded five accidents involving scooters this year alone, two of which resulted in injuries.
To combat the issue, the city is proposing a “walk your wheels” campaign for the downtown area, mimicking similar ordinances in neighboring Aberdeen, Brookings, and Sioux Falls.
· The city plans to paint stenciled signage on sidewalks reminding riders to dismount in the business district.
· The ordinance’s definition of “personal conveyances” specifically exempts wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and other mobility devices used by individuals with disabilities.
· Police intend to focus on public education rather than immediate, heavy-handed enforcement, especially since many violators are young children.
Council Expresses Hesitation
Despite the push for pedestrian safety, several council members expressed reservations about the ordinance as currently written.
Councilman Dan Schutte pointed out that some elderly residents rely on three-wheeled adult tricycles to get around the downtown area, viewing it as a crucial quality-of-life activity.
“It’d be more dangerous for them to be on the street, I would believe,” Schutte said. “It’s kind of hard to walk a three-wheel bike.”
Councilman Michael Heuer, who currently is a business owner downtown, noted that the core issue seems to stem from high-speed e-bikes and e-scooters rather than traditional bicycles or mobility devices. Heuer mentioned he had to call in a complaint earlier that very day after witnessing individuals dragging scooters into the newly remodeled public restrooms.
“That’s actually kind of what sparked the redo of the public restrooms, is that some kids have taken e-bikes in there and just ran the back tires and did burnouts on the tile floor,” Heuer shared.
However, he agreed that finding a middle ground is necessary to protect pedestrians from blind corners and opening doors.
Councilman Brent Mohrmann also hesitated on a full ban, predicting that alternative transportation will only grow.
“I think the e-bikes and the e-scooters are just going to become more and more popular, especially with $4 a gallon gas,” Mohrmann said.
A Local Business Perspective
Dustin Lindner, a local bike shop owner, stepped up to the microphone to warn the council about the unintended consequences of banning bicycles and scooters from sidewalks. Lindner argued that Watertown’s downtown roads are not built to accommodate young cyclists safely.
“If we take these six, seven, 10-year-olds that are riding their scooters on the sidewalk and put them onto the road, that’s gonna make it so much worse,” Lindner cautioned the council, suggesting the city focus exclusively on electric-powered devices rather than traditional bicycles and skateboards.
Next Steps
The council will continue to refine the language of Ordinance No. 26-30. Mayor Ried Holien closed the discussion by encouraging all community members to share their opinions on the matter before a final vote is taken. Watertown - Members
The second reading of the ordinance is scheduled for August 17, 2026.
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