Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Trails topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission addresses trail encampments, sightline work and proposed 10 mph e-bike limit
Summary
Commissioners and staff discussed growing trail encampments and public safety concerns, removal of some camps, plans to improve sightlines, and an ordinance change to set a 10 mph speed limit for e-bikes mirroring Union Township; police enforcement was identified as the primary enforcement authority.
Mount Pleasant commissioners and Parks staff on July 22 discussed an increase in people camping on trails, public concerns about personal safety, and several steps the department is taking to respond.
Staff said crews have begun removing encampments and that camping is not permitted in the city park system. "We've started removing any encampments," a staff member said, and staff encouraged residents who observe encampments to contact the Parks and Recreation Department or the police department so staff can respond more quickly. Staff also said some encampments appear overnight and may be absent when staff perform morning checks.
Commissioners and commenters identified several hot spots, particularly around Mill Pond and benches near the new rest area, and described instances where people were observed congregating along trail stretches. Staff said they are considering tree removal in select locations to improve sightlines and increasing organized trail traffic (for example, club rides) on non-paved trails to discourage camping.
Staff and commissioners also raised staff safety concerns. The Parks presenter said staff sometimes call for police assistance in the mornings when they feel unsafe; staff said the police responses can deter recurring use of a site.
Vehicle and personal-mobility issues were also raised. The commission discussed all-terrain vehicles and utility vehicles ("gators") operating at unsafe speeds on trails and the appearance of golf carts and side-by-sides on park paths. Staff reminded the commission and public that motorized vehicles are not allowed on park pathways and said enforcement is difficult because by the time staff locate vehicles they are often gone.
On e-bikes, staff said an ordinance change will be presented to the governing body on Monday to set a 10 mph speed limit on trails, mirroring Union Township. "From our perspective in the park side of things, we're not enforcing that. The police are," a staff member said, and staff noted the change will give police a clear standard to address complaints and incidents.
No new ordinance passed during this meeting; staff said the e-bike speed-limit change will be presented to the appropriate legislative body on Monday.
