By DEBRA HAIGHT
BCR Correspondent
BUCHANAN, MI – A new and improved bicycle ordinance is now on the books in the city of Buchanan after action by City Commissioners last week.
Commissioners held the second of two public hearings on the new ordinance before voting to adopt it. The new ordinance updates an ordinance that dated back to the 1950s and required bicyclists to be licensed and bicycles to be inspected annually.
The new ordinance changes a violation from being a misdemeanor to being a civil infraction. It also rescinds license, tag and inspection requirements and adds definitions for electric bicycles and scooters. Mobility devices for those with disabilities are excluded from any prohibitions.
Another part of the new updated ordinance involves where bicycles can and cannot be ridden. The bikes can be ridden on trails and in parks and on city streets outside of the downtown district. That district is roughly defined as being from Red Bud to Oak and from Dewey to Roe.
Those under 18 on electric bikes must wear crash helmets while those under 13 on regular bikes must wear a crash helmet.
Resident Norma Ferris spoke during the public hearing about enforcement concerns. “How is it going to be enforced?” she asked. When told that the police department will handle enforcement, Ferris responded that their budget will have to be increased.
In comments from commissioners before the vote to adopt the ordinance, Larry Money said he hoped that having the new ordinance on the books will cut down on the number of bicycles being ridden through the downtown.
Raquell George said she had people asking her about mobility devices and reiterated that the ordinance doesn’t apply to those with disabilities. She thanked city staff for their work on the ordinance. “I appreciate all the hard work that went into this,” she said. “It’s easy to understand and comprehend.”
She also asked whether a map will be available to show where bikes are and are not allowed. Police Chief Harvey Burnett said his department will be getting some maps and signage out to educate people about the new ordinance rules.
Also last week, the commission had a first reading on an ordinance amendment to the city’s Unified Development Code. The second reading and possible adoption will take place at the commission’s Sept. 14 meeting.
The new amendment adds definitions and rules for new residential opportunities in several zoning districts. Among other things, it would allow residential units above the ground floor in the downtown district and increases the number of accessory and other dwelling units allowed on residential lots in areas around the city.
The Commissioners formally accepted the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund grant for the third phase of Riverfront Park improvements. The city is getting $385,000 from the state and matching it with $165,000 in local funds.
The project will include the construction of an ADA-accessible fishing pier, a vault/pit toilet facility and a pathway connecting the amenities in the park as well as garbage, trash and recycling receptacles and bike racks. Most of the work on the project is expected to be done next year.
“This will be a big boost for that area, it’s good to see,” Money said.
The first two phases of the Riverfront Park project were also funded by trust fund grants. They included a new boat launch, a new skid pier for the boat launch, a new accessible floating canoe/kayak launch, a new timber boardwalk, parking lot paving and stormwater management improvements.
In announcements, George reported that the annual Faith and Family Day will take place Aug. 30 from 2-5 p.m. at the Common. A variety of activities will be offered including pony rides and a petting zoo.
City Clerk Kalla Langston-Weiss reported that City Hall is making a software update next week with the result that city staff won’t be able to accept utility or tax payments Aug. 19 through Aug. 24. City Hall will be open on all those days except on Aug. 24.