Commission adopts 10 mph limit for powered bikes on city trails after heated public hearing

The Mount Pleasant City Commission voted July 28 to adopt an ordinance updating the city code to regulate electric bicycles on sidewalks, linear trails and shared‑use pathways, imposing a 10‑mph speed limit and updated signaling and equipment requirements.

The ordinance amends Chapter 72 to address e‑bikes and provides definitions for e‑bike classes, requires audible signaling when passing, updates enforcement language and establishes civil penalties.

Why it matters: The city’s trails are heavily used by pedestrians, children and casual cyclists; commissioners and residents debated whether motorized bicycles belong on narrower sections of the Riverwalk and park trails and how the city will enforce a speed limit that is not trackable by simple equipment.

What happened at the hearing - Public concerns: Several speakers urged caution. Kim Martin, a regular trail user, said the Riverwalk trails “create some limited visibility areas” and noted e‑bikes are “very quiet” and can approach pedestrians quickly. She pointed out stopping distance data and questioned enforcement capacity and identification for violation enforcement. Dennis Martin, another resident, said the city’s trails have been subject to unauthorized vehicles and vandalism and suggested registration of bikes as a possible tool. - Staff and commissioner discussion: Director Loria explained the ordinance will allow all classes of e‑bikes but impose the 10 mph limit and that staff plans an educational campaign and signage. Commissioners disagreed about enforcement capability; some said the ordinance provides direction and a platform for education while others said motorized vehicles should be kept off narrow park trails entirely. - Vote: The commission adopted the ordinance after a roll‑call vote. The meeting record shows the motion passed; mayoral and commissioner votes were recorded aloud as the roll call proceeded and the chair declared the motion passed.

Commission rationale and next steps Supporters said the ordinance gives staff clear authority to educate and cite violations and aligns rules with neighboring jurisdictions as the Riverwalk is extended. Opponents warned that limited park sight lines and few park rangers make enforcement difficult and said the city risks inviting motorized traffic into spaces meant primarily for pedestrians.

City staff said the ordinance will be rolled out with signage and targeted public education; commissioners asked staff to return with implementation plans and to coordinate with law enforcement for enforcement protocols.

Ending: The ordinance establishes new rules for e‑bike usage on Mount Pleasant’s trail network and starts a period of public education and signage; commissioners signaled they will monitor trail use and adjust enforcement and outreach as needed.