Sandy council directs staff to allow e-bikes and e-scooters in parks, adopt speed-based rules and signage

City officials on July 21 agreed to allow electric bikes and scooters in Sandy’s parks while focusing regulation on rider behavior and location rather than device class. Council members and parks staff said they want clearer, simpler signs and enforceable rules to protect pedestrians while preserving areas for higher‑speed riding.

Parks staff presented a framework that differentiates “lower‑speed/low‑intensity” routes from higher‑intensity adventure or multipurpose trails and asks the council to let staff post updated signage and rules systemwide. “We recommended not to exceed 12 miles per hour on the passive use and active use not to exceed 20 miles per hour,” a parks staffer told the council, describing the speeds staff found in comparable guidance.

Why it matters: Council members described repeated complaints from walkers and families about fast riders on shared paths at parks such as Sandy Bluff and Bornstead. Staff said signage and a behavior‑based policy will let the city adapt to new vehicle types without rewriting code each time a new device appears.

Key details: The staff proposal would allow all wheeled devices in parks, but designate three locations (Jim Sagle Loop Trail, Tickle Creek Trail and parts of Cedar Park) for higher‑intensity riding. For other paths—playground perimeters, pedestrian routes—staff will ask riders to use a calmer style and yield to pedestrians. Council discussed using simple visual cues (for example, turtle vs. hare or green/black symbols used in mountain‑bike trail systems) rather than the terms “active” and “passive.”

Enforcement and compliance: Police staff described a stepped approach: education first, written warnings next, and trespass/exclusion for repeat violators. Police said park rules enforcement may include written warnings to document repeated violations before exclusion. Staff also proposed pavement or painted stencils and perimeter sign panels to communicate route type and posted maximum speeds.

Open questions and council direction: Council asked staff to return with finalized sign language, an implementation plan, and a public‑education approach; members also asked staff to clarify how the policy interacts with state statutes restricting certain devices on sidewalks and how mobility device users (wheelchairs, other assistive devices) are categorized. The council reached consensus to implement the staff recommendation with the signage approach discussed and to keep enforcement measures available for repeat violations. Council did not vote on an ordinance at the meeting; staff will proceed to implement signage and rules and return with code language or formal amendments if necessary.

What’s next: Staff will update park signs, finalize concise symbols/text for low‑ and high‑intensity routes, and return with draft ordinance/code language and an enforcement and communications plan.