KEVIN MCCANN
CITY ADMINISTRATOR
NORTH MANKATO (14,448)

What prompted your city to enact an ordinance to address the usage of special vehicles in city limits? The City of North Mankato made changes to the ordinance following a citizen’s request to amend the city code to allow the use of golf carts on city streets. As a result, the City Traffic & Safety Committee reviewed the request on several occasions and ultimately recommended an amendment to the ordinance be made to allow the use of golf carts on city designated streets with regulations. While golf carts are now permitted, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are not permitted at this time. Future consideration for the use of ATVs may be contemplated pending citizen compliance of the golf cart regulations.

What are the requirements/rules for operating a special vehicle on city streets and sidewalks? All golf carts need to be licensed by the city and there are certain roadways where they are not permitted including sidewalks and parks. Additionally, there are age requirements for operation and minimum equipment requirements including proof of insurance.

Does your ordinance specify times of day or times of the year when golf cart usage is or isn’t allowed? The regulated hours of use are between sunrise and sunset during the months of April through October.

How has the response been? Have you heard any feedback? North Mankato amended the city code in the fall of 2023, so there has been limited time to receive feedback.

What tips would you give other city leaders who are considering adopting a recreational vehicle ordinance? While public safety should be the highest priority, topography, daily vehicle traffic volumes, and posted speed limits should be reviewed when considering the use of recreational vehicles on city streets. As a police department is typically responsible for enforcement of the use of recreational vehicles on city streets, their involvement in the process is essential.

JESSIE DEHN
CITY ENGINEER/PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
BRAINERD (14,255)

Electric-assisted and motorized bicycles, scooters, skateboards, and other various forms of personal mobility, also known as forms of micromobility, have become considerably more popular. In recent years, the City of Brainerd has seen a significant increase in the use and presence of micromobility within our streets, sidewalks, and trails. As the use continues to grow, we wanted to be proactive in protecting public safety by enacting regulations that will reduce risks to the public.

While the city already had some regulations in place for bicycle and rollerblade use within public areas of the city, the Council enacted a new ordinance in October 2023 creating a section of city code regulating micromobility more specifically. The new regulations are a combination of what is covered by state statutes, our existing city code on bicycles and rollerblades, and other regulations that were discussed by public stakeholders, city staff, and the City Council. The new regulations were made with public safety in mind, while avoiding overly burdensome regulations that would discourage users from compliance with the new rules or not using these alternative modes of transportation altogether.

The rules mainly focus on what, where, and how these forms of micromobility can be used. For example, motorized bicycles are not allowed on sidewalks and multiuse trails. There are also more stringent regulations on micromobility and bicycle use within the downtown district. It was also decided to regulate speed.

As the new regulations took effect this fall, we have not experienced the peak season where we would see a majority of use. However, by including public stakeholders in this process, we are hopeful that the new regulations will be well received moving forward. We would recommend that anyone exploring regulation of these types of mobility should ensure that public stakeholders be involved in the discussions. One thing we heard from all those whom we spoke with during the process is being cautious not to make the restrictions so burdensome that they become prohibitive to their enjoyment and use. In these times with a lot of vehicles on the streets, limited parking, and traffic, there is value in encouraging alternative modes of transportation.