Residents urge council not to ban e-bikes on Greenville trails

Four Greenville residents used the Statement of Citizens portion of the Feb. 20 City Council meeting to urge elected officials not to adopt a ban on electric bicycles on local trails.

Michael Haight, speaking from 108 S. Clay, told the council he does not support a ban on e-bikes on the trails. Jim Richards of 813 Clay said he was concerned about “losing e-bike riders” and emphasized that the trails are shared by many users. Byron Bailey of 218 W. Montcalm raised safety concerns if e-bikes are banned, and Bryan Nauta of 308 E. Oak Street said he also opposed a trail e-bike ban.

The comments were delivered during the public-comment period; the council received the remarks but did not take formal action on the proposed ban at the meeting. A related agenda item was included in the consent materials: council approved setting a public hearing for March 19, 2024, to receive comment on an ordinance to amend Chapter 42, Article I, to regulate motor vehicles and provide penalties.

The matter of whether to restrict e-bikes on Greenville trails therefore remained in the public-input phase after the meeting. Residents seeking to weigh in formally can provide comment at the March 19 public hearing established by the council.