Council adopts rules for New River Linear Trail docks, clarifies e‑bike and dock use

Heather Collins (speaker 6) presented the second and final reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 13 (public parks, docks and boat landing rules) to add provisions for the New River Linear Trail dock and to clarify general park and dock rules, with a focus on safety and property protection. She explained the amendments are clarification and education—"not an e bike ordinance," she said—intended to define how emerging technologies and recreational behaviors should be managed on town trails and docks.

"This is not an e bike ordinance," Collins said, emphasizing the changes are to clarify where devices should be used and to assist in education and enforcement. Staff noted the New River Linear Trail and dock project is a 3‑mile multipurpose pathway and that the pavilion and dock area are on track to open by the end of this month despite weather delays. The ordinance also addressed conflicting language about fishing and docking; staff removed a provision to minimize that conflict.

Council asked about bilingual signage and wildlife warnings (alligators); staff said they would follow up with appropriate signage and outreach. Council approved the ordinance on second and final reading by unanimous voice vote.