Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to give local governments in Minnesota the authority to set specific speed limits for electric-assisted bicycles within their business districts. The bill is intended to enhance safety and provide clear regulations for the operation of these bicycles in areas with high pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

Main Provisions

• Local Ordinances: Local governments are allowed to create ordinances that establish maximum speed limits for electric-assisted bicycles. These limits will be effective in designated business districts within their jurisdictions.

• Signage Requirements: Once a speed limit is adopted, appropriate signage must be installed to indicate the start and end of the areas where the new speed limits apply.

• Law Enforcement: Only peace officers employed by the local government that enacted the ordinance are permitted to issue citations for speed violations concerning electric-assisted bicycles.

• Driving Records: Violations of these local speed limits will not be recorded on an individual's official driving record. This exemption also applies to holders of commercial driver's licenses when operating electric-assisted bicycles.

• Exclusion from Administrative Citations: Local governments are not permitted to issue administrative citations for violation of riding rules for electric-assisted bicycles.

Significant Changes

• The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, allowing for the new subdivision under Section 169.222 specifically related to electric-assisted bicycles. It also makes changes to Sections 169.999 and 171.12 to adapt to these provisions.

Relevant Terms

• Electric-assisted bicycles
• Local ordinances
• Speed limits
• Business districts
• Peace officers
• Driving record
• Citations