Cycling groups urge changes as council advances e‑bike ordinance for unincorporated trails

An online commenter, Dave Eltus of Cycling Utah, told the council that while the overall intent of the proposed e‑bike ordinance was positive, language declaring it unlawful to operate Class 3 e‑bikes on multi‑use pathways and natural‑surface trails would discourage using bicycles as alternative transportation. He urged the council to remove that language, allow speed‑based regulation (e.g., 20 mph limits), and add organized rides and races to the ordinance’s exceptions. “I think the intent of the ordinance is good but I don’t think it’s very well thought out in terms of, especially class 3 e bikes,” Eltus said.

Council sponsors and members emphasized the ordinance applies only to unincorporated county areas (e.g., Butterfield Canyon and Yellow Fork Canyon) and framed the measure as an education and safety step for trails that serve multiple users. Several council members urged outreach to bike organizations before final action; the council voted to pass item 9.2 on its second reading during the meeting.