Explanation
This ordinance enacts and amends Columbus City Codes to provide for changes in Title 21 - Traffic Code to promote mobility options and to protect pedestrians, mobility device operators and other users of the public right-of-way. The mobility device code changes in the traffic code are similar to current rules for bicycles. This legislation is part of a comprehensive look at the fast-emerging industry that has taken root in Columbus and in many cities around the state and nation.
This legislation governing the operation of e-scooters and dockless rental bikes addresses issues concerning but not limited to:
• where mobility devices can be operated, such as keeping them on the roadway and not on the sidewalks,
• what safety precautions riders must take, such as yielding to pedestrians,
• navigating traffic and bike lanes and following current traffic regulations,
• how the city defines mobility devices now and in the future,
• how old operator of mobility devices have to be,
• how fast mobility devices should be operated,
• where mobility devices should be parked,
• and safety equipment that need to be on the device
Title
To enact, amend, and repeal various sections of Title 21, Traffic Code, of the Columbus City Codes to provide for regulating the use of mobility devices.
Body
WHEREAS, a goal of the city of Columbus is to increase mobility options for its residents; and
WHEREAS, the mobility device code changes in the traffic code are similar to current rules for bicycles; and
WHEREAS, this legislation is part of a comprehensive look at the fast-emerging industry that has taken root in Columbus and in many cities around the state and nation; and
WHEREAS, it has become necessary in the usual daily operations of the Department of Public Service to enact and amend various sections of Title 21 of City Code to promote mobility options and to protect pedestrians, mobility device operators and other users of the public right-of-way; now, therefore,
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That new Sections 2101.061, 2101.115, 2101.116, 2101.186, 2101.375, and 2101.59 of the Columbus City Codes are hereby enacted, reading as shown on the attachment to this Ordinance.
SECTION 2. That Sections 2101.04, 2101.041, 2101.042, 2101.165, 2101.195, 2101.51, 2105.125, 2105.19, 2109.06, 2131.03, 2131.08, 2131.14, 2131.15, 2131.43, 2173.01, 2173.02, 2173.03, 2173.04, 2173.05, 2173.07, 2173.08, 2173.09, 2173.10, 2173.105, 2173.11, 2173.12, and 2173.13 of the Columbus City Codes are hereby amended, reading as shown on the attachment to this Ordinance.
SECTION 3. That existing Sections 2101.04, 2101.041, 2101.042, 2101.165, 2101.195, 2101.51, 2105.125, 2105.19, 2109.06, 2131.03, 2131.08, 2131.14, 2131.15, 2131.43, 2173.01, 2173.02, 2173.03, 2173.04, 2173.05, 2173.07, 2173.08, 2173.09, 2173.10, 2173.105, 2173.11, 2173.12, and 2173.13 of the Columbus City Codes are hereby repealed and replaced as provided herein.
SECTION 4. That the title of Chapter 2173 of the Columbus City Codes is hereby amended, reading as shown on the attachment to this Ordinance.
SECTION 5. That existing Section 2173.015 of the Columbus City Codes is hereby repealed in its entirety.
SECTION 6. That this Ordinance shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period provided by law.