By Allison Peck
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The North Platte City Council approved an updated bicycle ordinance Tuesday night, with Mayor Brandon Kelliher saying the changes are intended to improve safety as electric bikes, scooters and other devices become more common.
The ordinance passed on third reading and is expected to become official two weeks after the Sept. 15 meeting.
Kelliher said the city’s previous regulations did not adequately address electric bikes, hoverboards and small electric scooters.
“This is not about restricting people's ability to use things,” Kelliher said. “This is about being safe.”
Kelliher said the council recognized that the ordinance may not be perfect and could need adjustments during the next six months. He said the city wants to give police an opportunity to educate residents, identify potential problems and determine whether changes are needed.
One issue still being considered is speed on sidewalks and bike trails.
Kelliher said he would like to see a speed limit of approximately 10 miles per hour for e-bikes and e-scooters in those areas. However, no specific speed limit for sidewalks or bike trails was included in the ordinance approved Tuesday night.
Kelliher said he has seen riders traveling approximately 25 to 30 miles per hour on city trails, creating a potential danger for pedestrians and other trail users.
“If they hit somebody at that speed, both people are going to be injured significantly,” Kelliher said.
The city plans to begin educating the public about the ordinance once it takes effect. Residents who have questions can contact City Hall or request a copy of the ordinance through the city’s website.
The bicycle ordinance was one of several major items approved during Tuesday’s meeting.
The council also approved the city’s 2026–27 budget and property tax rate. The city’s levy was reduced by 1.3 cents to 34.4 cents for the city portion.
Kelliher said the city’s budget is slightly smaller than last year, partly because it does not include some grants and bond sales that were included in the previous budget. Despite the lower levy, increased property valuations mean the city expects to collect approximately $316,000 more in property tax revenue than last year.
Kelliher said the city must balance keeping taxes reasonable with maintaining services.
The budget includes a continued focus on replacing aging water lines. Kelliher said some of the city’s water infrastructure is 80, 90 or even 100 years old.
Planned replacement, he said, is less disruptive and more cost-effective than waiting for water mains to break and then cutting into streets for repairs.
The council also approved an annual salary schedule for city employees. Kelliher said competitive wages are important for recruiting and retaining police officers, firefighters and other employees.
The council approved updated user fees, an interlocal agreement with the North Platte Airport Authority and two rezoning requests.
The airport agreement allows the city to provide short-term funding to the airport between property tax payments, helping the airport avoid borrowing from a financial institution at a higher interest rate.
Kelliher said the former airport terminal is expected to eventually house the fixed-base operator, or FBO, while the new terminal will serve passengers traveling in and out of North Platte.
The council approved rezoning at 820 South Walnut Street from R-3 to B-1, allowing for possible small shops or office space in a former daycare building.
Property at 818 and 820 South Bailey Avenue was rezoned from R-3 to B-2. Kelliher said the property could become the site of a new car wash.
The meeting concluded with the Board of Equalization approving an assessment schedule for Paving District 843, involving a section of Bryan Street south of Francis Street.
Looking ahead, Kelliher said the city hopes to resolve several paving district issues along Francis Street before the end of the year.
The full City Council meeting is available on the City of North Platte’s YouTube channel.