(Grand Haven, MI) – The City of Grand Haven is making changes to where motorized devices can be driven. The city has banned motorized bikes, skateboards and scooters from the boardwalk along the Grand River, as well as portions of Washington Avenue and some downtown sidewalks. The goal is to cut down on sidewalk congestion caused by a mix of pedestrians and motorized devices.
Statement from Grand Haven Department of Public Safety:
Grand Haven City Council has approved several updates to the City’s ordinances with regard to electric bicycles, electric scooters, and electric skateboards following two readings before adoption. These changes are intended to improve pedestrian safety while recognizing the way transportation continues to evolve and how residents and visitors use our public spaces today.
For many years, the City has prohibited bicycles, skateboards, roller skates, and in-line skates on the public sidewalks along Washington Avenue between Harbor Avenue and Third Street from the last weekend in May through Labor Day. As electric bicycles, electric scooters, and electric skateboards have become more common, the ordinance has been updated to include those devices as well.
Council also approved the creation of a new “No Wheel Zone” within the 10 block of Washington Avenue during the same seasonal period whenever the street is closed to vehicle traffic. Over the past several years, this block has evolved into one of the City’s busiest gathering spaces, with outdoor dining, the Social District, yard games, community events, families, and thousands of pedestrians enjoying downtown. The goal of this change is not to discourage people from using these modes of transportation, but to reduce conflicts in an area where people are walking, dining, and gathering in close proximity. Creating a pedestrian-focused space helps improve safety and allows everyone to better enjoy the downtown experience.
City Council also approved updates to the City’s boardwalk ordinance. Electric bicycles, electric scooters, and electric skateboards are now prohibited on the boardwalk due to the high volume of pedestrian traffic. Traditional bicycles will continue to be permitted, and riders are expected to operate them safely and in accordance with existing City ordinances.
In addition, the City’s reckless operation ordinance has been updated to include electric bicycles, electric scooters, and electric skateboards. This ensures that all of these devices are held to the same standard and may not be operated in an intentional, reckless, careless, or negligent manner that causes or could reasonably cause injury to another person or damage to public or private property.
These ordinance changes are not intended to impact individuals who rely on mobility devices as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Those devices remain permitted, and the City remains committed to ensuring public spaces are accessible to everyone.
As transportation continues to change, the City will continue to evaluate emerging technologies and community needs. These updates are intended to strike a balance between embracing new ways to travel and maintaining safe, welcoming public spaces for residents and visitors alike. We appreciate the community’s understanding and cooperation as we continue working together to keep Grand Haven a safe and enjoyable place for everyone.
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