Western Springs May Ban Riding Bikes On Downtown Sidewalks

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL – Western Springs is looking to ban riding regular bikes, low-speed motorized bikes and scooters, and other such vehicles on downtown sidewalks.

They would be allowed on sidewalks in other areas of town, with certain restrictions, the village said.

Under state law, such vehicles with an electric power output of at least 750 watts are barred from streets and sidewalks.

Western Springs' proposed downtown rule is less restrictive than what Burr Ridge enacted this week.

Burr Ridge banned electric scooters and motorized play vehicles such as go-karts and single-wheel boards on public roads, sidewalks and pathways. At the same time, bicycles, both pedal and electric, would still be allowed on public roads, but not sidewalks and pathways.

At this week's Western Springs Village Board meeting, officials said most of their complaints about e-bikes and similar vehicles have been in downtown.

Trustee James Tyrrell said he wanted to avoid sounding like Scrooge, but he had concerns about the vehicles.

"I've had people tell me about kids with these motorized bikes really being quite reckless going down Hillgrove," he said. "Can we stop them?"

Police officials said they could.

Village President Heidi Rudolph said she had read concerns about such vehicles on social media.

In a couple of weeks, the Village Board may vote on the downtown restriction.

If it passes, the village plans to work with schools to educate children on the rules. Officials said they would post "Walk Your Wheels" signs downtown.