Some Flandreau City Council members are questioning whether a new ordinance aimed at safety measures for electrically propelled devices, primarily e-bikes and scooters, goes far enough.
The first reading of Ordinance 632 was held Monday night. It states that any wheeled, electronically propelled devices must comply with state and local bicycle ordinances and follow all traffic signs.
Use of e-scooters and e-bikes has continued to climb in Flandreau, as it has in most communities, but theres growing concern for the safety of young riders in particular.
Among the provisions:
(A) Any wheeled, electronically propelled device not defined by state or local ordinance shall comply with all state and local bicycle ordinances.
(B) Persons riding wheeled, electronically propelled devices must obey all traffic signs and stop at all stop signs.
(C) Every person riding or using a bicycle upon any street or public highway in the city shall observe all traffic rules, turn only at intersections, signal for all turns, and ride on the right-hand side of the street.
(D) No person under eighteen may operate or ride upon such a device at speeds over 20 miles per hour on city streets or highways unless wearing a helmet meeting Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218 as of Jan. 1, 1984. Passengers under 18 must also wear a helmet.
(E) No person may operate a wheeled, electronically propelled device at speeds exceeding 20 miles per hour unless wearing eye protection.
No action was taken. A second reading is scheduled for Sept. 2.
Also at the council meeting, updates were shared on the much-anticipated, collaborative Early Childhood Learning Center, which will now be called the Flandreau Clubhouse.
Boys and Girls Club CEO Jody Hernandez said the facility is expected to be finished by March 2026, with an opening planned for May 4. Parking improvements around the Boys and Girls Club and Community Center are also being considered for the 2026 budget.
More details will appear in next weeks issue and are available on the citys website under the government section.
Also heard at the most recent meeting of the Flandreau City Council:
Mosquito spraying will take place Aug. 21 starting at 8:30 p.m.
City offices will be closed Monday, Sept. 1, for Labor Day.
A citywide cleanup for wood items will be held Sept. 6.
Community organizations seeking 2026 subsidy funding can present requests at the Oct. 6 council meeting at 6:30 p.m.
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