By CJ Lindor
This week, the Senate will hear SF3280 in the Transportation Committee, which would allow local jurisdictions to create maximum speed limit ordinances “within a business district” specifically for E-bikes. (A “business district” is the area around a road with “50 percent or more of the frontage for a distance of 300 feet or more is occupied by buildings in use for business.”) Currently in state law, bicycles are prohibited from riding on a sidewalk that is within a business district, so we’re not talking about sidewalk speed limits here.
On public roads, the concern over bicycle speed—whether electric or traditional—seems largely misplaced. If a cyclist exceeds the posted speed limit, existing laws already allow for enforcement. But the idea that someone traveling below the speed limit should be subject to an even stricter cap than other road users is hard to justify. It introduces an inconsistency that lacks a clear safety rationale.
In reality, speed-related safety concerns for cyclists are less about how fast bikes are going in isolation and more about the differences in speed between bicycles and motor vehicles. This speed differential creates risk, particularly when faster, heavier vehicles interact with slower, more vulnerable road users. The most effective way to address this issue isn’t by imposing additional restrictions on cyclists—it’s by lowering speeds for all traffic.
Encouragingly, MN cities and towns now have greater flexibility to do just that! Recent state policy changes BikeMN helped to create have empowered communities to set lower speed limits on their streets, reflecting a growing recognition that safer roads benefit everyone. Efforts to reduce overall traffic speeds—rather than targeting specific groups—represent a more balanced, evidence-based approach to improving safety for all users.
Minnesota is a national leader in forward-thinking transportation policy — and that didn’t happen by chance. For over 17 years, BikeMN has been at the table, fight after fight, shaping a future where biking, walking, and rolling is safe, accessible, and valued. That work is funded by members like you. Join as a sustaining supporter today at bikemn.org/join — $5 or $10 a month helps ensure Minnesota stays ahead. We all move forward together.