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Board hears calls to clarify trail rules after reports of electric mini‑bikes and motorcycles on Keller trails
Summary
Board members and staff discussed ambiguity in trail rules and enforcement after multiple reports of electric mini‑bikes and motorcycles using hike‑and‑bike trails; staff said signage wording is inconsistent and the police department will need to weigh in on enforcement.
Board members raised safety concerns at the July 3 meeting about electric motorcycles, mini‑bikes and throttle‑powered devices operating on Keller hike‑and‑bike trails and asked staff to seek guidance from the Keller Police Department on enforcement and signage.
Tom, a park board member, described repeated incidents of small electric motorcycles and mini‑bikes traveling at speed on trails and said his wife and other walkers have encountered them. He told the board his observation that some devices have no pedals and look like small motorcycles. “If it doesn't have pedals, it's not allowed,” he said in the course of the meeting when describing the difference between pedal‑assist electric bicycles and throttle‑powered mini‑bikes.
Staff and board members noted inconsistent signage. A parks staff member said current park rule signs vary; some read “no unauthorized motor vehicles” while others say “no motorized vehicles.” The staff member summarized the operational rule on the Park & Rec signage: “On this deal right now, it does say motorized vehicles are prohibited on trails.”
Enforcement and next steps: board members agreed enforcement will require input from the police department and suggested staff and board members speak with the chief. One board member said police had previously had extensive conversations with council about golf cart rules and suggested a similar process might be needed for trail vehicles. A parks staff member said he will reach out to the chief and to staff contacts to clarify distinctions between electric bicycles, throttle‑powered scooters and electric mini‑bikes and to assess enforcement options.
Discussion vs. decision: the meeting included discussion and a commitment to consult police; there was no change to trail rules or new ordinance adopted at the meeting.
What’s next: staff will consult Keller Police Department about enforcement, review signage wording for consistency, and return to the board with recommended clarifications and potential changes to signage and enforcement procedures.
