MPO panel questions county prohibition on e‑bikes on park trails; staff to present evidence at workshop

Board members and advisory committee representatives on Dec. 15 pressed county staff for the legal and technical basis of an ordinance that prohibits e‑bikes on environmentally sensitive trails.

Emily Lewis, the county administrator, told the MPO the ordinance "is prohibited by ordinance in all of our trails due to the damage to environmentally sensitive lands" and clarified the prohibition applies to e‑bikes specifically, not bicycles in general. Commissioners asked staff to provide the evidence that motivated the ordinance and whether a more nuanced approach could allow e‑bikes on hard‑surface multi‑use trails while protecting sensitive natural areas.

The board scheduled a workshop agenda item for the following day to examine regulation options, enforcement challenges and possible exemptions or classifications. Several commissioners expressed concern about enforcement practicality and whether all parks should be subject to the same blanket prohibition.