Grosse Ile BPAC to recommend updated e‑bike rules for township trails

The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission discussed a plan to update local rules for electric bicycles Tuesday, with members saying they will prepare a formal recommendation to the township board on which e‑bike types should be permitted on township trails.

Alan (BPAC member and e‑bike subcommittee lead) told the commission the group has been gathering information on classifications and enforcement and is starting a review of the township's existing bicycle ordinance, Township Ordinance 34, which BPAC members described as more than 30 years old and in need of revision. "Generally, the oversight of ebikes are classified in 3 different classes, class 1, 2, and 3," Alan said during the discussion, explaining class 1 is pedal‑assist up to 20 mph, class 2 is throttle‑controlled up to 20 mph, and class 3 is a throttle‑controlled bike up to 28 mph.

BPAC members repeatedly said their mandate from the township supervisor is to make a recommendation to the township board, not to draft and enact the ordinance themselves. "The township supervisor gave BPAC a mandate to make a recommendation. Right. Not write ordinances," a commission member said during the meeting. BPAC members said their likely recommendation will be to permit class 1 and class 2 e‑bikes on township trails and reserve class 3 e‑bikes for roads, mirroring restrictions the Michigan Department of Natural Resources applies to many state trails.

Members discussed complementary measures including public education and training sessions, signage, and annual review of any ordinance or policy the board adopts. BPAC said the education program would teach riders how to identify class 1, 2 and 3 bikes, safe passing of bicyclists under state law, and how to evaluate the safety ratings and equipment of bikes sold by retailers. The commission also discussed cross‑jurisdiction coordination: BPAC has reviewed DNR trail guidance and talked with regional partners including SEMCOG and Downriver bicycling groups to align local policy with broader trail standards.

Commissioners emphasized they will return a concise recommendation to the township board identifying which e‑bike classes to allow on township paths, what signage and enforcement changes are needed, and a schedule for annual review. No ordinance was adopted at the meeting; BPAC members said they will draft and submit the recommendation for the board's consideration.

Looking ahead, BPAC members said they expect to develop educational materials and coordinate training with local police and neighboring municipalities while the township board considers the formal ordinance change.