Twinsburg City Council Meeting: E-Bike Safety, Fire Station Project, and Economic Growth

TWINSBURG, Ohio — The Twinsburg City Council met on May 12, 2026, to launch a multi-phase e-bike safety initiative and advance critical infrastructure projects, including a collaborative fire station venture. The meeting highlighted the city’s proactive stance on regulating high-speed electric cycles while simultaneously addressing residential traffic concerns and fostering local economic expansion.

New Educational Campaign for E-Bike Safety

The City of Twinsburg is implementing a comprehensive e-bike safety program to address the rapid rise of electric cycles on local sidewalks and streets. Police Chief Thomas Mason and Lieutenant Bob Waltz presented a plan to help residents distinguish between standard e-bikes and “electric motorcycles,” which can exceed 55 mph and are often operated illegally by unlicensed juveniles.

Phased Rollout: Phase one focuses heavily on education. The department has created laminated guides for officers and launched a project page on the “Together Twinsburg” platform to provide clear legal definitions.

Parental Responsibility: Officials emphasized that many parents unknowingly purchase high-powered electric motorcycles for their children. The department will contact parents directly during stops to discuss licensing requirements and safety.

Helmet Advocacy: While state law only mandates helmets for Class 3 e-bikes, Council is reviewing local ordinances to potentially require helmets for all e-bike classes to reduce the risk of serious injury.

Addressing Truck Traffic and Pedestrian Safety

During the public participation segment, residents expressed urgent concerns regarding the volume of semi-trucks on Ravenna Road. One resident, Grace Hackett, reported that heavy vehicles traveling from the freeway to industrial areas “literally shake” residential homes and create hazards for students walking to nearby schools and the public library.

Council President Greg Bellan and Mayor Sam Scaffide committed to evaluating the effectiveness of current “No Truck” signage. The city plans to explore stronger enforcement and clearer routing directions at freeway exits to divert heavy traffic toward McFearin Memorial Parkway, protecting residential corridors and the redesigned town square.

Public Safety Staffing and Infrastructure Milestones

The meeting marked significant progress in the city’s goal for full safety force staffing and regional cooperation:

Joint Fire Station: Resolution 2026-67, which outlines an agreement with Twinsburg Township for the construction of a new fire and EMS station, moved to its second reading.

Police and Fire Hiring: Mayor Scaffide announced the hiring of Officer Greg Norwood as a School Resource Officer for Wilcox Primary School, bringing the police department to full staff. The fire department is also slated to reach full staffing next week with the swearing-in of two additional medic-firefighters.

Construction Progress: Public Works Director Patrick S. confirmed the “Four Corners” project at the Ravenna and Broadway intersection is nearing completion, with a target reopening date of May 29, 2026.

Economic Growth and Legislative Updates

Council unanimously passed Ordinance 2026-64, approving tax incentives for Western Reserve Wire Products Inc. through the Twinsburg Occupancy Program. The company has committed to creating 30 new jobs and adding $1 million in annual payroll. Additionally, the Environmental Commission announced the next community Shredding and Recycling Day will take place on June 27, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the Government Center.