STRASBURG, Ohio — October 15, 2025. On October 7, the Strasburg Village Council adopted a targeted set of rules that curbs risky electric-scooter riding in high-foot-traffic areas. As a result, the measure narrows where people may ride, sets a firm speed cap, and defines expectations for younger users. Ultimately, officials aim to protect walkers in parks and business corridors while keeping responsible micromobility viable.
What’s changing
Effective upon publication, the ordinance introduces several straightforward requirements:
- Road access: The village bars e-scooter riding on streets with limits above 35 mph.
- Speed: Riders must keep speeds at or below 25 mph inside village limits.
- Conduct: Riders must use designated sidewalks where local rules allow, ride standing, and carry no passengers.
- Helmets: Riders under 16 must wear a helmet; officials strongly encourage helmets for everyone.
- Franklin Park: The village prohibits scooters and e-bikes on the park’s walking path, grass, turf, and playground areas; instead, riders may use surrounding streets.
Taken together, these provisions reduce conflicts in shared spaces and, importantly, give parents, teens, and visitors a clear playbook for safe trips. Moreover, the uniform rules help officers educate riders consistently across the village.
Why now
Throughout the summer and early fall, residents reported near-misses at crosswalks, rolling stops at intersections, and fast riding around Franklin Park. In addition, staff and council members observed congestion spikes near schools and the central business district. Consequently, the council chose a focused rule set—rather than a blanket ban—to calm problem locations while preserving short, practical rides. Notably, the approach mirrors steps other Ohio communities have taken to balance access with safety. Furthermore, the changes arrive before holiday events increase foot traffic, which, in turn, should lower seasonal risk.
Official voices and enforcement
Village leaders continue to emphasize education first, backed by targeted enforcement. Therefore, officers will concentrate patrols near schools, park perimeters, and busy sidewalks; at the same time, they will advise younger riders about helmets, yielding, and predictable signaling. Additionally, staff will coordinate with community groups to amplify safety reminders before winter break. As signage goes up, officials expect fewer conflicts and smoother sharing of public space. If trouble spots persist, however, the council stands ready to adjust details after an initial review.
What riders should do next
Over the next several days, crews will refresh signs around Franklin Park and along key corridors. Meanwhile, the village will share plain-language reminders through schools and neighborhood channels so families understand the changes. During a short grace period, officers will prioritize warnings and education; afterward, they will escalate to citations when necessary. In the meantime, riders should slow down, choose routes that avoid high-speed roads, and watch for temporary notices as new signs go up. Looking ahead, the council plans a brief check-in to evaluate compliance and, if needed, fine-tune the rollout.
How to comply in Strasburg (quick guide)
- Avoid high-speed roads: Do not ride on streets posted above 35 mph.
- Respect the cap: Keep your scooter at or under 25 mph.
- Follow the park rule: Use surrounding streets; do not ride on Franklin Park’s path, grass, turf, or playground.
- Ride solo and standing: No passengers; operate the scooter as designed.
- Wear a helmet: Required under 16; encouraged for everyone.
- Be predictable: Yield to pedestrians, stop fully at signs, and signal turns.
Sources:
- Strasburg Village Council — Regular meeting actions, October 7, 2025.
- Strasburg Village — Public notices and meeting calendar, October 2025.
- Strasburg Police Department — Safety guidance for micromobility, October 2025.
- Ohio Revised Code §4511.512 — Local regulation of low-speed micromobility (referenced in council discussions).