06/02/2026
Public Safety Update: New Bicycle and Scooter Ordinance Adopted
The Ord City Council officially adopted a revision to Chapter 5, Article 5 of the City’s Bicycle Ordinance on June 1, 2026 (unsigned copy below). Drafted by the Ord Police Department and the City Attorney, this update directly responds to numerous resident complaints and police calls regarding juveniles riding bicycles and electric scooters unsafely. This Ordinance will go into effect on June 10th.
Our previous ordinance lacked rules for electric scooters and modern electric transit. Furthermore, Nebraska State Statute does not fully address these vehicles. This revision modernizes local laws to keep our community safe.
Key Changes
Equal Classification: Electric scooters, hoverboards, and electric bikes now fall under the same legal category as traditional bicycles. This ensures simple rules for the public and clear enforcement for officers.
No More Registration: The requirement to register bicycles with the City of Ord has been completely removed. This eliminates unnecessary paperwork for residents without impacting safety.
Impound Authority: Officers now have the legal option to impound bicycles, electric scooters, and similar devices. This provides a direct tool to resolve immediate public safety hazards.
Our top priority at the Ord Police Department is public protection. This proactive approach aims to make our streets safer for drivers, pedestrians, and riders alike.
A Note on Parental Responsibility
While local laws provide necessary boundaries, no city policy can replace active parenting. We ask all parents to ensure their children are properly trained and fully understand the rules of the road before riding.
