Council delays decision on allowing e‑bikes on city trails; asks staff for enforcement data

The Highland Park City Council on Aug. 11 postponed a decision on whether to allow electric bicycles on city trails and asked staff and police to collect enforcement and safety data before the council revisits the matter in October. The council adopted an interim e‑bike ordinance in July that prohibited motor‑assisted devices on trails while officials studied enforcement and safety options citywide. At the Aug. 11 meeting, residents and business owners gave extensive testimony on both sides: some urged the continued ban on trails because of safety concerns for pedestrians, children and dogs; others, including a local bicycle shop owner and some adults who rely on assisted bikes, urged allowing class‑specific e‑bikes. Public commenters described young riders on high‑powered motorized devices operating at high speeds on sidewalks and streets; several asked for greater enforcement and clearer distinctions between low‑speed pedal‑assist e‑bikes and motorized motorcycles. Resident Barb Sarada described multiple instances of teenagers riding “the wrong way down the street, abreast” and doing wheelies, and urged stronger immediate enforcement and safety controls. City staff noted a jurisdictional complication: the Skokie Valley Trail is owned by Lake County and is not fully under the city’s authority; the Green Bay Trail is county‑owned in portions and maintained by the city through agreement, which limits the city’s ability to unilaterally regulate all trail segments. Staff said they have provided the city’s draft ordinance and background material to state lawmakers for consideration at the fall veto session. Council member Tapia proposed a narrower amendment to permit only “class‑1” pedal‑assist e‑bikes while continuing to prohibit higher‑powered motorized devices; that motion failed on a 3–4 vote. The council then voted 7–0 to continue the issue to the first council meeting in October and asked staff to compile data on citations, complaints and incidents and to return with recommended, enforceable language.