Franklin e-bike, e-scooter and skateboard riders face new rules on city roads and paths.

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen (BOMA) voted unanimously Tuesday, Oct. 27, to give final approval to the city's play vehicle ordinance. The measure replaces a 50-year-old policy and adds regulations for e-bikes and e-scooters for the first time, the Williamson Herald reported.

Play vehicles, including e-bikes, e-scooters, regular bicycles, roller blades and skateboards, are allowed on public roadways and multi-use paths, according to the Herald's coverage of the final vote. They are prohibited from public garages and other public places unless otherwise stated.

A Herald account of the first reading also listed sidewalks as a permitted location. Whether the final ordinance text includes sidewalks is unclear from the available record.

Helmet and reflector requirements

The ordinance incorporates state laws requiring reflectors on all e-bikes. Riders of Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes under age 16 must wear helmets. All Class 3 e-bike riders must wear helmets regardless of age.

What comes next

The city plans to launch a communications campaign to inform residents and businesses of the new rules and to update signage along public roadways and multi-use paths. Employees of the Public Safety and Parks and Recreation departments will receive training on the new policy, the Herald reported.

The Franklin Police Department has already been engaging residents on e-bike safety. Officers from the department's Traffic Unit met with Ladd Park residents in August to discuss safe riding practices, the department said on X.

Vice Mayor Patrick Baggett and Aldermen Clyde Barnhill, Brandy Blanton, Greg Caesar, Ann Petersen, Jason Potts, Bev Burger and Matt Brown all voted in favor. The board had approved the ordinance on first reading Oct. 13, when Baggett was absent.

Founders Day proclamation

At the same meeting, Mayor Ken Moore marked the 120th anniversary of the Franklin Special District with a Founders Day proclamation. Moore praised the aldermen who created the Franklin School Board on Oct. 27, 1906, founding what was then called the Franklin City School System. The original board's action was "a significant step in local public education," Moore said, adding that "the community's future depends on it."

Moore also read a proclamation recognizing October as Family Court Awareness Month.