St. Joseph Looks to Stop Biking on Downtown Sidewalks

ST. JOSEPH - St. Joseph is considering updating an ordinance that would ban biking and rollerblading on downtown sidewalks.

The city says space is limited and narrow on the sidewalks. The ordinance would apply from 2nd Avenue Northwest to 1st Avenue Southeast.

The amendment was requested by Police Chief Joel Klein as a safety concern. During the Monday night city council meeting, Klein said there was an incident last year where people were nearly hit by a cyclist when they were leaving a store.

The current ordinance already doesn't allow skateboarders or roller skates in the downtown district.

"The sidewalks are just so narrow in the downtown that there's not enough room for tables, bikes and people," City Administrator Judy Weyrens says.

No action was taken on the proposed ordinance change. It will likely be approved by the city council as a consent agenda item during their next meeting.