City Council Approves Updated Sidewalk Safety Rules

Published on April 23, 2026

Illustration of a cyclist on a road passing a father and child walking on a sidewalk. The cyclist rings a bell. Police logo in the bottom right.

The Maricopa City Council has approved updates to the City Code aimed at keeping everyone—whether walking, biking, or using an e-scooter—safe while getting around the community.

As the use of e-bikes and e-scooters continues to grow, these updates reflect how residents are getting around today. Previously, these devices were not permitted on sidewalks. The updated code now allows their use under clear safety guidelines, supporting responsible riding while providing enforceable standards when behavior becomes unsafe.

A safety notice with six visuals: mandatory helmets for young riders, yield to pedestrians, no gas devices on sidewalks, crosswalk usage, clear medians, and civil violations.

Community Feedback Helped Shape the Changes

Prior to approval, the City gathered community input and received valuable feedback from residents.

“Much of the feedback we received pointed to a preference for sidewalk riding over roadway riding, primarily due to safety concerns with vehicle traffic,” said Police Chief Mark Goodman. “At the same time, residents made it clear they want sidewalks to remain a safe space for pedestrians. These updates help strike that balance.”

Updated Expectations for Sidewalk Use

For those riding bikes, e-bikes, or scooters, the rules reinforce safe, common-sense practices:

  • Pedestrians have the right-of-way at all times
  • Slow down when passing to ensure others feel safe and are not startled
  • Ride at a safe speed based on conditions and sidewalk activity
  • Gas-powered devices are not permitted on sidewalks
  • Riders under 18 must wear a helmet

Guidance for Pedestrians

To support safe movement throughout the city, a few reminders for those on foot:

  • Use marked crosswalks or signalized intersections when available
  • Avoid standing on medians or traffic islands unless waiting to cross safely

Focused on Safety and Education

These updates are not intended to increase enforcement, but to promote safety across all modes of travel. While violations are considered civil offenses, the Maricopa Police Department will prioritize education and outreach.

“Our focus is on education first,” Goodman said. “We want to make sure everyone understands how to safely share these spaces so we can prevent issues before they happen.”

Review the impacted codes here:

 

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