NEWS

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Dear Parents and Residents,

On February 24, 2026, the Town Board of Commissioners adopted Town Ordinance 70-47: Regulation of Bicycles, E-Bikes, and Personal Conveyance Vehicles (PCVs). This ordinance was enacted to improve safety for all residents.

Over the past year, our community has experienced an exponential increase in both the frequency and severity of injuries involving minors operating electric motorbikes and similar vehicles. In several instances, these incidents have also resulted in collateral injuries, property damage, and near-misses involving walkers, runners, and other pedestrians. In response to these concerns, the Town has taken steps to establish clearer rules and expectations for the safe operation of bicycles, e-bikes, scooters, and other personal conveyance vehicles.

At this time, we are seeking voluntary compliance and cooperation from parents, residents, and operators as we begin implementing this ordinance. If you observe a violation that presents an immediate safety concern, please contact 911 so officers can respond and address the issue appropriately. Reckless operation, fleeing from police, and crashes resulting in personal injury and/or property damage will be addressed with civil and/or criminal consequences.

In the coming months, our focus will be on education and community awareness. Many of the incidents reported thus far involve juvenile operators riding vehicles that are actually classified as mopeds or motorcycles under state law due to their speed or motor capability. These vehicles must be registered, insured, and adhere to all state laws and DMV regulations, and they are not permitted on sidewalks or shared-use paths (Greenway). While many of these devices have been marketed for children, any “e-bike” that has a motor greater than 750 watts, non-operable pedals, and/or exceeds 20 MPH is NOT an e-bike.

If you encounter a situation where a minor is operating a vehicle that appears to fall into this category, we ask that you contact 911 immediately. The police will contact the parent or guardian to arrange for them to retrieve the vehicle. Under the ordinance, unauthorized operators cannot be permitted to drive the vehicle home if doing so would violate the law.

For clarity, our officers will not pursue or chase individuals solely for violations of this ordinance or other vehicle infractions, unless another crime is involved that meets our departmental pursuit policy. However, knowingly fleeing from the police may result in felony criminal charges, and their property is subject to forfeiture (NCGS 20-141.5).

We have developed educational materials that will help explain the new ordinance to residents and cyclists. In addition, we are reaching out to schools, civic groups, churches, and community partners to provide informational presentations, especially for children and families. If you have connections within an applicable group and can assist with arranging a presentation opportunity, please contact our Community Engagement Officer at dandras@townofdavidson.org.

We encourage all residents to review the attached summary guide and comparison chart outlining where different types of bicycles and personal vehicles may be operated, as well as the applicable restrictions and penalties.

Our goal is not enforcement for its own sake; it is preventing injuries and ensuring our sidewalks, greenways, and roadways remain safe for everyone who uses them.

Thank you for your cooperation and support as we work together to keep our community safe.

Respectfully,
Philip Geiger
Chief of Police