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Public commenters and commissioners raise safety concerns about e‑bikes, motorbikes on the Pinellas Trail
Summary
A Dunedin resident described aggressive behavior by groups using motorized bikes on the Pinellas Trail and urged cameras, patrols and separate lanes; commissioners said a task force and law enforcement are working on targeted enforcement.
A Dunedin resident urged county leaders on Jan. 28 to address what she described as aggressive and dangerous behavior by groups riding gas‑powered minibikes and electric bikes on the Pinellas Trail.
Irene Davis, who identified herself as a Dunedin resident, told commissioners she has seen riders perform wheelies, speed toward crowds, spit on people and knock cyclists and pedestrians off the trail. "They're purposely terrorizing people," Davis said, describing dozens of reports shared on neighborhood message boards.
Why it matters: Commissioners and staff said the incidents undermine a well‑used regional trail and can deter residents and visitors from using it. Public safety, tourism and liability were raised as concerns.
What residents and staff asked for: Residents and the Friends of the Pinellas Trail have requested stepped‑up enforcement, more cameras and clearer separation between slower pedestrians and faster bicycles as possible solutions. Davis urged the county to consider cameras and increased patrols and warned that civil litigation risk could exceed preventive costs.
County response and next steps: Commissioners said the issue is being discussed by a Pinellas Trail Security Task Force, which includes municipal police, the sheriff’s office, the Friends of the Pinellas Trail, park rangers and county risk management. Commissioners asked staff to share today’s comments with that task force. One commissioner said the county will ask Forward Pinellas and law enforcement partners to return with a proposed enforcement plan.
Ending: Commissioners said they will continue to press law enforcement partners for targeted enforcement and noted a quarterly task force that will review options and coordinate municipal and sheriff resources.
