ESTHERVILLE, IA (Northwestiowanow) – The Estherville City Council narrowly advanced a proposal Monday night that would establish a 10-mph speed limit on city sidewalks.
The proposal was discussed following a divisive debate about enforcement and regulations involving e-bikes, scooters and other wheeled devices.
Councilman Roy Gage proposed the ordinance, which would add a new section to city code making it unlawful to travel faster than 10 mph on city sidewalks.
Councilmember David Hovinga immediately spoke against the proposal, questioning both the speed limit itself and whether it could realistically be enforced by police.
Hovinga also argued the ordinance would create unnecessary regulations.
A motion by Hovinga to reject the ordinance failed on a 4-3 vote. The council then approved the first reading of the ordinance by the same 4-3 margin. An attempt to waive the second and third readings failed after receiving only three yes votes, fewer than the six required. The measure will return for a second reading at a future meeting.
While discussing the proposed speed limit, city officials emphasized that restrictions already exist in Estherville’s Central Business District.
City Administrator Penny Clayton said the city plans to increase public awareness of those existing rules, including restoring pavement markings downtown.
