The Tonganoxie Police Department is working closely with City staff to develop regulations that limit the use of electric bikes, commonly referred to as e-bikes, e-cycles, or e-mini bikes. This specifically pertains to operation on City roadways. While we recognize that many of our youth enjoy riding them, we have received numerous complaints from the community. This pertains to unlicensed juveniles operating these vehicles on public streets and failing to follow the rules of the road. Allowing e-bikes on sidewalks is not a solution, as this creates new conflicts with pedestrian traffic. Although licensed drivers may benefit from e-bikes as an affordable, convenient, and environmentally friendly mode of transportation, unlicensed juvenile riders present significant safety risks to themselves and others. This issue is not unique to Tonganoxie. Communities across the Kansas City metropolitan area are facing similar concerns. Many e-bikes are capable of reaching speeds between 20–28 mph, yet they are often operated by riders who are unlicensed, untrained, and without protective gear. Motorists on city roadways do not expect to encounter juveniles traveling at such speeds, particularly those without formal traffic safety education. Recently, the Tonganoxie Police Department responded to an accident in which a juvenile on an e-bike collided with a motor vehicle. Fortunately, no serious injuries occurred in that incident; however, other nearby cities have reported crashes involving juveniles that resulted in critical injuries. Compounding the problem, Kansas state law does not clearly define e-bike classifications, licensing requirements, or helmet use. This legal gray area makes it difficult for law enforcement to consistently enforce roadway safety standards. For these reasons, the Tonganoxie Police Department will be asking City Council to consider new regulations on e-bike use within City limits to protect both riders and the broader community. Growing concerns with use of E-bikes Front St improvements to start Earlier this year, the City Council approved budget authority to move forward with a rebuild of Front St, from Ridge St and Tonganoxie DR, as depicted below. The project site is an existing roadway with far less than sufficient condition and design of storm water infrastructure, missing pedestrian sidewalks, and a roadway surface and base that deteriorate quickly due to conditions present at the site. The proposed scope of work for this project includes reconstruction of Front Street, 31 foot wide to include ±2" milling, ±6" asphalt placed on existing asphalt/subgrade, curb and gutter, sidewalk (one side of the street) and storm sewer. Staff is especially excited to finally have a project that closes the sidewalk gap for the South side of US 24/40's East-West pedestrian connectivity. At the time of this newsletter’s production, the project is out for bid. While staff had hoped to complete the project this year, the construction schedule will begin early 2026, so as to shorten the construction period, and minimizing the impact to the businesses located along Front St. As a contractor is selected, staff will work with them to ensure appropriate signage, so that patrons of impacted businesses will be able to navigate safely.
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