The City of Maricopa is inviting residents to provide feedback on a series of proposed updates to the city code aimed at improving pedestrian safety and clarifying rules for sidewalk use.

During the most recent Maricopa City Council meeting, Police Chief Mark Goodman presented the proposals as part of the department’s ongoing effort to respond to community concerns and adapt to the growing popularity of newer forms of transportation such as electric scooters and e-bikes.

One of the most notable proposals would allow bicycles and certain low-power electric devices to operate on sidewalks under defined safety rules. While current city code prohibits bicycles from riding on sidewalks, police say real-world behavior tells a different story.

“Right now, the law says they shouldn’t be on the sidewalk,” Goodman explained. “But the reality is many riders already choose the sidewalk because they feel safer there than riding next to vehicle traffic. What that means for officers is they may be tasked with enforcing the law on people who are simply trying to ride safely.”

According to MPD, studies (namely this one) and local observations suggest that restrictions on sidewalk riding do not significantly discourage riders from taking to the sidewalk regardless of the rule.

Goodman believes allowing sidewalk use under clear safety guidelines will allow police to better focus their attention where it matters most.

“If someone is riding safely and respectfully on the sidewalk, that’s not really the problem we’re trying to solve,” Goodman said. “The real safety issue is reckless riding — whether that happens on the street or the sidewalk. By updating the code, we can focus enforcement on unsafe behavior instead of simply where someone happens to be riding.”

The proposed changes would also establish clear expectations designed to protect pedestrians, city officials said today.

Proposed updates under consideration

1. Allow bicycles and low-power electric devices on sidewalks

The proposal would permit bicycles and low-power electric devices such as scooters and skateboards to operate on sidewalks under specific safety conditions:

• Riders must travel at a reasonable and prudent speed
• Pedestrians always have the right-of-way
• Gas-powered vehicles would remain prohibited

2. Require use of marked crosswalks

To improve roadway safety and reduce unpredictable crossings, the proposed changes would:

• Require pedestrians to use marked crosswalks when crossing between adjacent signalized intersections
• Allow limited mid-block crossings where appropriate
• Prohibit crossing where signage specifically restricts it

3. Prohibit standing in vehicular travel lanes

To improve safety for both pedestrians and motorists, the proposal would:

• Prohibit standing in active vehicular travel lanes
• Restrict lingering in painted or raised medians
• Allow individuals to briefly wait in a median while actively crossing the roadway

Balancing safety and community concerns

City officials said they recognize some residents may be concerned about sharing sidewalks with devices such as e-bikes and scooters. Police say the goal of the proposed changes is not to increase sidewalk conflicts, but rather to establish clear rules that prioritize pedestrian safety while addressing how people are already traveling today.

“This is really about safety and clarity,” Goodman said. “If the rules are clear and everyone understands that pedestrians come first, it allows us to focus on the people who are riding recklessly or putting others at risk.”

Public input requested

Before any changes are adopted, the city is seeking input from residents. Community feedback will help inform staff recommendations and future council discussion.

Residents are encouraged to submit comments, questions, or suggestions by emailing [email protected]

Public feedback will be accepted through March 25.