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Grosse Ile BPAC to fast-track study, outreach on e‑bike and scooter safety
Summary
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission discussed a multi‑month plan to study, educate and coordinate enforcement on electric bicycles and similar micro‑mobility devices, and designated liaisons to convene a subcommittee and community input sessions.
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (BPAC) in Grosse Ile opened a lengthy discussion on electric bicycles and similar battery‑powered micro‑mobility devices and agreed to fast‑track research, education and liaison work to support a future ordinance.
Alan (BPAC member and subcommittee lead) said BPAC has been “investigating the … use of what I'm gonna term as electrical vehicles” and that the group is gathering information on classification, regulation and enforcement. He said BPAC is focusing on safety standards and training for parents, users and other road‑way and trail users.
The discussion emphasized that rules can differ by location, noting a device may be governed by one set of rules on a roadway and a different set on a trail. Alan said the Michigan League of Bicyclists and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources are working on broader guidance and that the commission hopes to incorporate that work. “We just keep kids and and users safe,” Alan said.
Nicole (BPAC member/project coordinator) urged BPAC to “come up with a plan for the plan,” recommending a timeline with meeting milestones so the public can provide informed input. Several members suggested a multi‑department approach that includes police, community development and the township manager so that any proposed ordinance would be enforceable.
Jamieson (BPAC member) recommended a fast‑track cadence and said he would be “open to having an open meeting every 2 weeks to fast track this” to produce timely results for police and township staff. Members discussed options for public outreach — in‑person forums, social media, flyers and collaborations with schools — and agreed BPAC should solicit the full range of community views rather than rely only on the loudest voices.
The group identified preliminary next steps: Alan and Nicole will act as BPAC liaisons to convene a working group with police and township staff, draw a timeline and collect community input; BPAC hopes to incorporate DNR and Michigan League of Bicyclists guidance when available. No ordinance or formal vote was taken at the meeting.
Commissioners and staff repeatedly cautioned that classification and legal questions remain unresolved at the state and DNR level; members said that will affect what local regulation is feasible. The timeline discussed ranged over several months: members said they expect research and outreach to continue through the spring, with interim public meetings and periodic reporting to BPAC.
BPAC members stressed separating education from enforcement in early work: education and parent outreach were described as important initial actions, with enforceable policy language to be crafted with police and legal counsel later.
