DOWNINGTOWN, PA — Downingtown Borough Council will consider restrictions on electric bicycles and updated fire-safety requirements for buildings and businesses at a November 4, 2026, public hearing, potentially establishing new rules for sidewalk use, borough parks and emergency access to properties.
The council will review two proposed ordinances at 7 p.m. at Borough Hall, 4 W. Lancaster Avenue. Both measures remain pending, and residents and other interested parties will have an opportunity to comment before council considers adoption.
Ordinance 2026-05 would prohibit the operation of electric-assist bicycles on borough sidewalks and establish a duty of care for people operating other wheeled devices.
The proposal would also amend borough regulations governing parks and playgrounds, allowing restrictions on wheeled devices in designated areas. It includes provisions for exceptions, signage, enforcement and penalties.
The changes would give borough officials authority to regulate where certain wheeled devices may operate, including in public recreational areas. The hearing notice does not identify the proposed penalties or specify which park areas could be restricted.
A separate measure, Ordinance 2026-06, would adopt the 2021 International Fire Code with amendments and revise borough requirements for Knox boxes, which provide emergency personnel with access to secured buildings.
The proposed changes would affect fire-prevention standards and emergency-access requirements applicable to properties in the borough. The public notice does not detail the local fire-code amendments or the proposed Knox-box placement requirements.
Both ordinances would amend existing provisions of the borough code. The e-bike measure addresses Chapter 274, governing vehicles and traffic, and Chapter 203, covering parks and playgrounds, while the fire-safety proposal would revise Chapters 120 and 146.
Council may adopt, amend or postpone either ordinance following the hearing.
Residents and property owners can inspect the complete proposed ordinances at the Downingtown Borough Codes Department, 4 W. Lancaster Avenue, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding holidays. Copies are also available for a fee.
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