Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Trails topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Millcreek bans motorized vehicles on city trails, allows pedal‑assist e‑bikes
Summary
The council on May 12 adopted an ordinance prohibiting motor vehicles on city trails and clarifying that pedal‑assist e‑bikes meeting voltage/speed definitions remain permitted. The ordinance aims to curb dirt‑bike and electric‑motor damage to trails and was approved unanimously.
The Millcreek City Council on May 12 adopted Ordinance 25‑17 to prohibit motorized vehicles on city trails while permitting pedal‑assist electric bicycles that meet the city’s definitions. Council members and staff said the change responds to repeated reports of dirt bikes and other motorized vehicles damaging trails and posing safety risks.
Councilmember Sherry introduced the ordinance; the council thanked Parks/Public Safety staff and cited enforcement input from Police Chief Petty Brown and trail maintenance staff. One councilmember explained the policy intent: pedal‑assist e‑bikes that require pedaling and meet voltage limits remain allowed, but heavier electric motorcycles and internal‑combustion off‑road vehicles — which carry more torque and horsepower — tear up trail surfaces.
The motion to adopt Ordinance 25‑17 passed unanimously by roll call. Staff said enforcement will focus on preventing off‑road motorcycles and similar motorized vehicles from using trail corridors such as the Jordan River Trail and park trail connectors; the ordinance language also covers trails located inside city parks and on sidewalks where motor vehicles had been observed.
Next steps: the city will publish the ordinance updates and coordinate enforcement plans with police and park crews; staff said educational signage and selective enforcement will be used as first steps.
