Electric bicycles, motorized scooters and other micromobility devices soon may face new regulations in Peoria.
The city staff has drafted an ordinance that would update Peoria’s city code to align with updated state law that’s set to go into effect next year.
“The main point of emphasis for regulation is how fast these vehicles go, particularly for the e-bikes,” city attorney Patrick Hayes said this week before the Peoria City Council voted to receive and file the proposed changes.
Hayes noted Peoria’s current rules prohibit use of motorized bikes and scooters on sidewalks, and e-bikes with a maximum speed of 28 miles per hour can operate without license and registration.
“Bikes that, either by gas engine or an e-engine that goes faster than that, are treated as if they’re motorcycles,” he said. “They have to be registered, licensed, insured, and operated just like motorcycles are.”
The new rules aimed at increasing pedestrian and operator safety would also apply to gas bicycles, motor-driven cycles and motorized toy cars, though off-road vehicles such as ATVs, dirt bikes and four-wheelers are not included in the ordinance.
“Where these devices operate and how they operate and those types of things are largely now the object of state law that preempts our home rule authority,” said Hayes. “The biggest exception to that really doesn’t apply to us, because the park district can adopt different regulations on the bike paths that are within the park district’s authority.”
The city will need to update signage and street markings to indicate the motor-driven cycle prohibitions. Police will receive training and enforcement guidance, and a public information campaign will work to notify residents.
The council is expected to vote on the code changes at a future meeting.
Knoxville Crossing apartments
Developers intend to build two 12-unit apartment buildings near the Knoxville Crossing shopping center.
The city council unanimously approved plans for the construction of the twin three-story structures, with a special use allowing the project to exceed the maximum density of units per acre.
The development is targeted for property at the intersection of Alta Road and Juliet Court that was originally zoned commercial more than 30 years ago when the city annexed the Janssen's Farm area.
The vote came after the council heard objections from Lucas Myrna, an attorney representing nearby property owners.
“These are already very heavily congested, overcapacity, and very narrow two-lane roads,” said Myrna. “There are single-family homes directly across Alta Road from this lot, two small daycares on either side of it, and three small medical offices behind it.
“This is simply not the place for such a large apartment complex with so many cars and a density that high.”
Responding to a question from Fifth District council member Denis Cyr regarding Myrna’s objections, Hayes said the legal department supported the recommended approval of the project.
Plans call for access to parking areas through an interior circulation road connecting to Juliet Court.
Other business
The meeting featured two required public hearings, one on the proposed 2027 revisions to the biennial budget and one on expansion of the Northwoods Mall tax increment financing [TIF] district. No residents spoke at either hearing.
The council voted unanimously in adopting the “Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate, Return” program administered by Peoria County Animal Protection Services [PCAPS] for controlling the population of outdoor community cats. The move, initially discussed during the Oct. 16 meeting, brings Peoria in line with several other Peoria County jurisdictions.
Items approved as part of the consent agenda include:
- Allocating more than $2.6 million in state motor fuel tax funds to cover the city’s share of construction costs for the Adams Street and Jefferson Avenue two-way conversion project.
- Granting permission to convert a vacant office building at 2020 W. War Memorial Drive into a 38-unit assisted living facility for people 65 and older.
- Entering a $145,000 contract agreement with Jimax for demolition of four commercial buildings.
- Participating in the Illinois Department of Transportation’s 2027 bridge washing program.
- Allowing construction of a radio tower at the Glen Plaza shopping center.
- Permitting installation of a rooftop sign at a strip mall in the 3100 block of N. University Street.
- Adding electric vehicle charging stations near the intersection of Western and Callender avenues.
- Appointments of Mary Jo Papich to the Public Arts Advisory Commission and Kayse Doering to the Construction Commission.
A request to allow a ground-mounted five-panel solar array near the Smoothie King and Club Car Wash along Summershade Circle was withdrawn by the applicant; the planning and zoning commission had recommended denial.
