Lehighton has developed a draft cycling ordinance to update its half-century law.

Councilwoman Jordyn Miller said at Monday’s borough council meeting that council’s Police Fire and Safety committee recently held a meeting with borough police Chief Troy Abelovsky and Mayor Ryan Saunders and came up with a draft.

“We’ll have some more (information) at the next meeting,” Miller said. “Hopefully we can get things updated.”

The borough is looking to present and possibly adopt a similar version of the Pennsylvania State Bicycle Laws.

Earlier in the meeting, resident Nick Catania asked about sound.

Borough Manager Dane DeWire said that right now, they can’t measure decibel levels.

Abelovsky added he doesn’t think a noise ordinance is really an option at this point.

The borough has been working on revising its outdated ordinance that only addresses bicycles.

Abelovsky previously said in a Facebook post that the Lehighton Borough Police Department has fielded multiple calls and safety concerns resulting from subjects operating motorized pedalcycles, motor scooters, e-bikes and bicycles on its roadways.

He noted in the post that the issue was brought to council’s attention last month, and that since then, council’s Police Fire and Safety Committee, along with Saunders and he have met to revise the borough’s outdated ordinance from 1975, which only addressed bicycles in the borough.

Abelovsky said at that time once the revision is complete, the new ordinance will be posted.

He said the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation addresses these vehicles, which the police department will enforce. Enforcement can consist of towing and issuing fines to operators or families who permit the violations to occur.

Abelovsky said to consult Pennsylvania bike laws for more information.

He added a large percentage of violators are people who are under the age of 16 and not properly licensed. “Many make extremely reckless actions while operating these vehicles: disobeying traffic control devices (stop signs and speeding), weaving/cutting vehicles off in traffic and endangering smaller children in our local parks.”

Abelovsky noted that the police department is seeking assistance from the parents of these operators.

He also urged parents to contact the police department if they have any questions regarding whether their son or daughter is permitted to operate a specific type of vehicle on borough roadways.

Lastly, Abelovsky emphasized that helmets are required for all people operating bicycles and Segways under the age of 12, motorized scooters under the age of 21, and are recommended for all operators.

Last month, borough council held discussion on bicycle and e-bike ordinances.

At that meeting, resident Darren Frehulfer told council there’s been an influx of motorized vehicles “in a very dangerous way,” including many without licenses.

Frehulfer noted that recently his young daughter was almost struck by one, and added his purpose for bringing the matter to council’s attention was to protect children playing in parks, as he’s concerned about his daughter’s safety.

Miller said at that time the borough does have ordinances, but that they are archaic.

Saunders said they’ll put together a proposal for borough council with all the variables.

He noted there is a sign in the Grove that states no bicycles, skateboards or scooters.

With the weather change, Saunders said there’s been an uptick in adolescents’ violent behavior.