A 10 mph speed limit for bicyclists will soon be enforced at all Ames parks.
The Parks and Recreation Commission recently updated the city’s parks and recreation policies with the new rule, which applies to manual and electric bicycles.
The Ames City Council initially discussed a micromobility ordinance in March to regulate use and a potential speed limit for bikes, e-bikes and more.
The Parks and Recreation Commission sought public input and discovered most residents were worried about a speed limit and safety on city trails and paths within the park system.
The new speed limit is for manual and e-bicycles only.
The parks and recreation department informed the Ames City Council of the new park speed limit during Tuesday’s regular meeting, Nov. 18.
The council was also presented with proposed updates to the Ames municipal code and directed the city attorney to draft an updated ordinance.
How will the new Ames park speed limit be enforced?
If someone breaks 10 mph speed limit or any other park policy, city staff will inform the individual of the park rules, Parks and Recreation Director Keith Abraham said. If the warning is ignored, the Ames Police Department can issue a citation for trespassing.
What personal transportation devices are allowed under Ames code?
The Ames Municipal Code has a chapter for bicycles, tricycles or unicycles, but it does not specifically address electric-assisted bicycles, tricycles, unicycles or other power-assisted devices.
The code states that all traffic laws apply to bicycles on the roadway and maximum speed must be “reasonable and prudent.” Riding on roadways, sidewalks, and bicycle paths is generally permitted except in specified areas like downtown and Campustown.
The city does not require a license or permit for bikes, e-bikes or other e-vehicles.
The parks commission didn’t ban e-bikes or electric scooters or other personal transportation devices, Abraham said, because those devices allow individuals of all ages and abilities to enjoy the parks system.
“There are a number of people that have enjoyed bike riding all their lives, and they are at a point right now where e-bikes are a way for them to continue doing something for a long time,” Abraham said. “They can get on an e-bike, go out and enjoy the parks system just like anybody else.”
Where are bikes banned in Ames?
The current ordinance restricts riding on sidewalks in the following areas:
Riding bicycles on the street is also prohibited on Grand Avenue between Lincoln Way and 30th Street.
Bicycles are prohibited in Munn Woods, East River Valley Park and in Brookside Park on the Audubon Trail.
Any type of bicycle, scooter, coaster, unicycle, sled, vehicle except for skateboards and in-line roller skates are banned at Georgie Tsushima Memorial Skate Park, across the street from Brookside.
Ames ordinance would universally ban swimming on city-owned property
Previously, swimming was banned only at Ada Hayden Heritage Park. Proposed updates to the Ames municipal code would ban swimming in any body of water on city-owned property.
Dumping bait of any kind into a city lake, pond, river or stream would also be prohibited.
Foraging for plants, fruit and nuts in city parks would be allowed in the updated ordinance.
Operating a motor vehicle in a public park is already restricted, with exceptions for designated streets and public parking. The proposed updates would allow use of manual or powered mobility devices by disabled individuals.
The updated Ames municipal code requires final council approval after it’s drafted.
Celia Brocker is a government, crime, political and education reporter for the Ames Tribune. She can be reached at CBrocker@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Ames has established a speed limit for bicyclists in its city parks. What to know
Reporting by Celia Brocker, Ames Tribune / Ames Tribune
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