GRAND HAVEN, MI — Residents can once again walk Grand Haven’s boardwalk without the constant fear that someone might pass them on a bicycle without appearing sufficiently tired.
The city recently updated its ordinances to prohibit e-bikes, e-scooters and e-skateboards from the boardwalk, following complaints about motorized devices mixing with pedestrians.
Traditional bicycles remain permitted, provided riders generate their forward momentum the old-fashioned way: carbohydrates and regret.
City officials stressed that the new ordinance is about pedestrian safety, particularly during busy summer months when the boardwalk can become crowded with families, tourists, strollers and people who stop suddenly in the middle of the walkway for reasons known only to them.
“We had to draw the line somewhere,” explained Assistant Deputy Director of Wheel Affairs Gary Plimpton. “Apparently that line is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.”
Under the new rules, a 68-year-old riding an e-bike at 9 mph is prohibited from using the boardwalk.
A 19-year-old on a traditional bicycle traveling 24 mph remains welcome, provided his thighs are doing all the work.
Officials described this distinction as “the ordinance.”
The change follows what authorities described as a significant number of complaints about electric bikes and scooters.
The exact number of complaints was not immediately available, but local experts confirmed that in Grand Haven, three complaints constitutes concern, seven constitutes a community issue and anything above 12 requires signage.
The city plans to emphasize education before stepping up enforcement.
New signs are expected to help visitors understand which devices are permitted, although officials acknowledge additional signage may eventually be necessary to explain the first signage.
A preliminary city diagram reportedly places transportation into several categories:
Traditional bicycle: Fine.
Electric bicycle: Menace.
Wheelchair: Fine.
Electric wheelchair: Also fine.
Scooter: Depends.
Electric scooter: Absolutely not.
Stroller containing three children, two beach chairs, a cooler and a Bluetooth speaker: Constitutionally protected.
Pedestrians generally welcomed the change.
“It’s about time,” said boardwalk regular Linda VanHoosing, who walks the route every morning at precisely 6:42. “Last summer an e-bike passed me from behind and I didn’t hear it coming. Nothing happened, but I’ve thought about it several times.”
Others worry the ordinance doesn’t go far enough.
The newly formed Citizens for a Completely Stationary Boardwalk has already asked the city to examine rollerblades, Heelys, wagons, unusually fast toddlers and anyone walking while looking at a phone.
“We’re not anti-mobility,” said organization president Cheryl DeVries. “We just believe people should move through public spaces at exactly the speed I’m comfortable with.”
Enforcement could eventually include civil fines of up to $100, although officials say officers will initially focus on educating riders.
The city is reportedly developing a standard warning.
“Sir, I’m going to need you to turn around. This area is for bicycles.”
“This is a bicycle.”
“Is that a battery?”
“Yes.”
“Then I’m going to need you to stop calling it that.”
For e-bike owners, alternate routes remain available throughout Grand Haven, including streets where riders can enjoy the considerably safer experience of sharing pavement with 5,000-pound SUVs.
City officials say they will continue monitoring emerging transportation technology and updating local ordinances as needed.
At press time, the council had reportedly formed a subcommittee to determine whether a hoverboard technically has wheels, a process expected to take most of the winter.
