The Marshall City Council approved a first reading to repeal section 375.170 of the city code related to bicycle riding in the business district but debated whether the repeal should be replaced with an amendment clarifying bicycles are not allowed on sidewalks in the business district.

The change matters because council members said an existing city ordinance already prohibits riding on sidewalks generally and they want to ensure pedestrian safety while avoiding unintended consequences for riders in business areas.

Miss Lewis read the ordinance title for the first reading: "An ordinance repealing section 375,170 of the code of ordinances of the city of Marshall, Missouri relating to bicycle riding in the business district." Public Relations and Public Safety committee members recommended amending rather than repealing so the code would explicitly state that "bicycles are not allowed to ride on sidewalks in the business district," a suggestion intended to clarify that bicyclists should use the street rather than sidewalks.

Council discussion noted that an existing separate ordinance already bans riding on sidewalks citywide. One council member asked the police chief if the signs prohibiting sidewalk riding still exist; staff said some signage had been removed during prior changes on the square and that Randy would inventory signs and coordinate with police about reposting as needed.

Separately, Police Chief Mike Donnell said the department has been pushing enforcement against motorized devices that are illegal on city streets—particularly small motorized bicycles and toy vehicles driven by children. "We are fighting this nonstop... I stopped a gentleman the other day that blew through a stop sign," Chief Donnell said, adding that many of the devices are classified as motorized and not legal for children to operate on city streets. He clarified that adults 16 and older operating certain classes of electric bicycles are permitted if they follow traffic laws, but devices that are self-propelled and not pedaled can be illegal for children on city streets.

The council approved the first reading by roll call. Staff said they would inventory signage on the square and coordinate with the police chief and municipal services to determine if additional posting is needed.

Ending: The ordinance will return for a second reading; staff will report back on signage and enforcement plans in the interim.