Scottsdale transportation panel approves study of e‑bike speeds on Indian Bend Wash paths

The Scottsdale Transportation Commission voted to direct staff to study electric‑bicycle usage and possible posted speed limits on two sections of the Indian Bend Wash multi‑use path.

The study will evaluate Indian Bend Wash between Chaparral Road and Indian School Road and a second pilot site between Via Linda and the Loop 101 overpass. The action, moved by Vice Chair Wilcoxon and amended and seconded by Commissioner Davis to add the second location, passed with all commissioners voting in favor.

The study will collect speed and volume data, examine path geometry and safety history, and return to the commission with findings and a recommendation for any pilot speed‑limit posting. Susan Conklew, a transportation staff member who presented the item, told commissioners the city will use the same methodology it applies to roadway speed studies and will attempt to capture collisions and complaints where available. Conklew said the city already posts etiquette reminders and is widening older 8‑foot paths to 10–12 feet in many locations to reduce conflicts.

Why it matters: the variety and range of privately owned, motorized devices on shared paths has grown in recent years, and commissioners said they want systematic data before deciding whether to post a speed limit. The city and Scottsdale Police Department (SPD) will participate in data collection and discuss enforcement options before any limits would be implemented.

Details of the proposal and study scope Conklew reviewed device categories that the city regulates: class 1 electric bicycles (pedal‑assist only, maximum assisted speed 20 mph, motors under 750 watts) and class 2 (throttle‑on‑demand, 20 mph limit) are allowed on the city’s paved shared‑use paths and sidewalks; class 3 assist bikes (assist up to 28 mph) are subject to different restrictions; devices that exceed 28 mph or motors larger than 750 watts are prohibited from the path system and must use roadways. Conklew said state law prevents the city from imposing vehicle registration or driver‑license requirements beyond state statute.

Commissioners repeatedly asked about enforcement and data. Vice Chair Wilcoxon and others pressed staff on whether SPD would commit to collecting crash and speed enforcement data. Nathan Doming, a transportation staff member, said SPD participated in preliminary discussions and agreed to assist with speed checks for the pilot. Doming added the effectiveness of posted limits will depend in part on SPD’s ability and willingness to enforce them.

Commissioner concerns and next steps Several commissioners urged the study to be rigorous and to include weekday and weekend counts, with some suggesting that summer data may undercount users and that fall follow‑up counts could be needed. Commissioners also raised regional coordination; Conklew said the city participates in a regional micromobility meeting and has reached out to neighboring cities, noting Tempe posted a 20 mph limit on part of its multi‑use path.

The commission’s motion directs staff to collect the data, analyze path design and usage, coordinate with SPD on speed data collection and enforcement options, and return with a report and recommendation before any pilot signage or enforcement is implemented.

Quote: "If we put out the signs but there's no active level of enforcement of them, then it's going to be very limited in its effectiveness," said Nathan Doming, transportation staff member.

What the vote did and what comes next The motion (to conduct the study at Indian Bend Wash between Chaparral and Indian School, amended to add Via Linda to the Loop 101) passed unanimously. Staff said data collection would include short sample counts (multiple weekdays and weekends), use of automated counters and cameras where appropriate, and targeted SPD radar checks for speed samples. Staff will return with a formal report and any pilot proposal to the commission before signs or regulatory changes are posted.