Residents press Carmel to enforce no‑parking on multiuse paths and curb high‑speed e‑bike use

Multiple residents at a Carmel town hall described repeated instances of city, utility and private contractor vehicles parking on multiuse paths and blocking cyclists, and urged stricter enforcement and clearer rules for emerging micro‑mobility devices.

One frequent cyclist said trucks often occupy the full width of the path, forcing riders with narrow‑tire road bikes to dismount and walk around. Residents said repeated requests to drivers sometimes provoke belligerent responses, and one person said a police call last week did not result in an officer’s arrival.

Former Councilor Bruce Carter, who sponsored the original ordinance governing path use, told the meeting the law was often treated as “lip service” rather than enforced and said the city should apply existing rules more vigorously. Councilor Anita Joshi and other members of the land‑use committee said micro‑mobility and path‑use rules are under review: Joshi said the committee will print the ordinance at its next meeting and begin steps to add enforcement teeth.

Officials acknowledged practical challenges—for example, seasonal mulch deliveries and utility work that staff said sometimes justify short, limited vehicle access—and said they would raise the issue in executive staff meetings and seek a public resolution at a future council meeting. The mayor’s office and police department were asked to coordinate enforcement guidance and public outreach to encourage reporting via non‑emergency channels when violations occur.

Why it matters: blocked multiuse paths and high‑speed motorized bikes pose safety risks to pedestrians, cyclists and residents; residents asked for clearer enforcement and signage to protect path users.