New Philadelphia officials eye e-bike rules amid safety concerns

With the coming of summer, Safety Director Kevin Milligan is discussing traffic safety concerns in the New Philadelphia, including those involving e-bikes.

Currently, New Philadelphia has an ordinance that prohibits riding e-bikes on the sidewalk in the courthouse square or a block from the square.

“I was witness to some of these e-bikes riding on the sidewalks,” he told council members at their meeting Monday. “Because of their speed that some of these bikes can do, people walking in and out of businesses and out of restaurants is a significant safety concern of mine.”

He said he has received several other calls and complaints about this situation.

“We are going to one, remind those that are riding e–bikes on the sidewalks that you cannot do it in the square or a block from the square,” Milligan said.

“Currently, that’s the limitation of the ordinance. However, [myself] and (police) Chief (Tessa) Pohovey are in communication with Law Director (Marvin) Fete, and we are going to be reviewing that ordinance to see if we need to provide some addition language and the rules relating to e-bikes as a result of them riding on sidewalks.”

He noted that some e-bikes are traveling at high rates of speed in New Philadelphia. City officials might consider stronger language in an ordinance on what e-bikes will be permitted to do in the city.

Also, Milligan reminded residents that bike lanes on city streets, such as East High Avenue, are for bicycles only. There have been reports of pedestrians walking in the lanes, as well as motorcycles using them. People riding on bicycles in those lanes must also obey all traffic laws, such as traveling the same direction as traffic, signaling and yielding to traffic control devices.

He said the police department will step up enforcement of the lanes from an educational perspective first to garner compliance.

Mayor Joel Day reported that work on the new inclusive playground at Tuscora Park is nearing completion. The playground equipment has been delivered and assembled. Then curbing, fencing and the playground’s surface will be installed. Everything is on track for a grand opening during the Memorial Day weekend, he said.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 2 p.m. May 24.

In addition, RTY Inc., which operates the rides at Tuscora Park, is working to install three new vintage kiddie rides where the batting cages once stood, the mayor said. Foundations for the rides’ bases are being poured. The project is expected to be completed sometime this summer.

Council gave first reading to an ordinance to install an honorary street sign at the corner of Fourth Street and Minnich Avenue in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Carl C. Stoller Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1445. The post was officially chartered on May 3, 1926.

In the past year, the post has contributed more than $500,000 to charitable programs, community projects and scholarships across the region.

The sign will be installed before the May 3 anniversary.

Health Commissioner Nichole Bache provided a report to council on activities of the New Philadelphia Health Department in 2025. She noted that the department’s two nurses administered 2,000 immunizations last year.

One highlight of the report was the fact that HIV cases increased 100% in 2025, from an average of three cases per year to six cases of the disease.

Service Director Ron McAbier reported that work is continuing on redesigning the downtown quadrants at the courthouse square. Trees are scheduled to be planted in the House of Stones quadrant next week. Work has been delayed in the Gavin’s quadrant with the discovery of an underground coal chute.

Milligan also reported that negotiations continue on a new fire contract with Goshen Township. The contract expires Dec. 31. He noted that the two sides remain far apart on language, but there have been some good conversations on the issue.

The Planning Commission will be meeting at 3 p.m. April 30 to discuss a possible new housing development in the city.