CORTLAND, NY (607NewsNow) — Bicycles are a focus for Cortland’s Common Council in new legislation they’re reviewing. 

At their Aug. 5 meeting, councilors agreed to set a public hearing and vote at their next meeting, which is Aug. 19. Mayor Scott Steve tells 607 News Now the law under consideration cleans up existing bike laws.

“It addresses all bicycles,” Mayor Steve said Aug. 8 on Ithaca’s Morning News. The bill would “try to get more controls and registrations so we can keep an eye on thefts,” Steve added.

The mayor also note that people who make alterations to electric bikes or batteries create a risk to the public.

“Somebody was altering the bike and batteries; the battery caught fire and when that happens, it’s like a Roman candle that just keeps shooting hot flames.” The local law also includes e-scooters.

“WHEREAS, the goal of this proposed law is to promote a safe environment for everyone, whether they are walking, driving, or riding a bicycle or other personal mobility device by requiring their registration and establishing operational safety requirements and safety standards for battery charging including:
• Safety Restrictions: The law would establish specific rules for operating these devices. This includes things like having proper lights and brakes, yielding to pedestrians, and obeying traffic signs and signals.
• Prohibited Areas and Devices:
– Operating bicycles, e-bikes, and e-scooters on sidewalks would be illegal. There would also be specific street segments, such as parts of Main Street and Central Avenue, where these devices
would be prohibited.
-The use of gas-assisted bicycles would be completely banned on all public streets, sidewalks, and parks.
– The use of illegal electric bicycles, which are e-bikes that have been modified to not meet state law standards, would also be prohibited.”

Batteries would also have to meet “specific safety standards” if the revised law is approved by the Common Council.

FULL INTERVIEW: Cortland Mayor Scott Steve on Ithaca’s Morning News