West University Place officials said they would revisit the city’s micromobility ordinance after meeting with Woodlands Township CEO Brad Bailey.
Bailey, who is running for the Texas State House of Representatives, has previously said he would take up the issue at the state level if elected, West U officials said.
The gist
West U Mayor Susan Sample said she will meet with him after the election to discuss what his ideas are for state regulation.
“Being the head of the Woodlands Township, he has the same issues," Sample said at a Nov. 2 meeting. "So I'm sure, and from what I understand too, he's got some great ideas for the state to tackle.”
However, council member John Barnes pointed out that the state’s legislative session doesn't begin until January and even if a bill passed then, it wouldn't take effect until months later.
Some background
West U has debated regulation for micromobility vehicles like electric bicycles and electric scooters for months. At its Oct. 26 meeting, council members questioned how they could define some of the wording in the ordinance, including what is considered the city’s civic center.
The current proposed ordinance would ban the vehicles' use in certain areas, including the city’s civic center and sidewalks. It would also prohibit the devices from being operated at night, prohibit anyone under 16 years old from operating e-bikes and require registration for 16-year-olds to use the devices.
Council member Kalie Rainsberger said the registration requirements would lead children to use other devices that don’t require registration.
One more thing
The council did not decide when the subject would be back on the agenda. However, council members said that it would be after they meet with Bailey.
