Land Use and Special Studies - October 15, 2026

The City of Carmel, Indiana, Land Use and Special Studies Committee met on October 15, 2026, to review proposed amendments to Ordinance D-2843-26, the city’s micromobility ordinance. The committee discussed clarifying where micromobility devices and bicycles may be ridden, requiring dismounting in pedestrian-only areas and plazas, safe passing of pedestrians, helmet requirements for riders and passengers under 18, and restrictions on riding three or more abreast when impeding pedestrians. Members also agreed to remove a requirement that slower riders pull over for faster traffic, citing existing state traffic rules and possible preemption concerns. The ordinance’s proposed fine of $250 for first and second offenses within a rolling 365-day period was retained; members discussed, but did not adopt, an education-class alternative to fines. No procurement or spending activity was identified.

A resident urged the committee to distinguish electric unicycles from higher-powered eMoto devices and regulate unsafe behavior rather than device capability alone. Members discussed that concern and possible future revisions, but did not resolve the classification. The committee approved a motion to advance the ordinance, incorporating the agreed clarifications, to the City Council for consideration; this was not a final council passage of the ordinance. Members also discussed providing a plain-language summary and community education about the rules.