Ocean City officials oppose state law, looking to change how bikes, scooters, etc ride on sidewalks

OCEAN CITY, Md. – A Maryland state law will allow bikes and scooters to ride on sidewalks. This would begin in October, however, the Ocean City Police Commission are standing against the decision. They are looking to their local officials to develop legislation to prohibit it.

During a work session with Mayor and Council, they spoke extensively on the topic. Specifically, areas with high traffic volume, like Philadelphia Avenue, Coastal Highway, and Baltimore Avenue.

Town officials have elected to make changes on the state legislation. They are working with the Maryland Municipal League on how to properly draft it.

The police chief, Raymond Austin, talked about present-day policing at the session.

“The bottom line is we’re enforcing now – you’re seeing what we’re doing. I mean our grant details that we have – we’ve just received more money, and we were able to get those grant details changed to do more enforcement- so we’re enforcing. That’s part of this.”

Councilman Tony DeLuca, carried the motion to draft an ordinance. It would prohibit bikes, e-scooters, e-bikes, etc on sidewalks except for areas approved by Mayor and Council.

The motion passed with 7 votes; potential legislation will be drafted, and then it will be presented to Council again before becoming law.

It remains to be seen how that ordinance will be written, but they have until October, 1st before state law takes effect.

WMDT will keep you updated on how the potential legislation proceeds.