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Mount Pleasant to require trail etiquette, consider 10 mph limit for e-bikes; throttle bikes to be banned
Summary
After public comment and a work session, the City Commission signaled support for an amendment to Chapter 72 (bicycles) that would keep throttle-only bikes off city park trails, allow pedal-assist (Class 1) e-bikes with speed controls and introduce a 10 mph etiquette-based limit mirroring a neighboring ordinance.
The Mount Pleasant City Commission held a work session June 9 to revisit Chapter 72 of the city code governing bicycles and to consider separate rules for pedal-assist e-bikes, throttle (motor-only) bikes and scooters on city park trails.
The discussion followed public comment earlier in the meeting. Joseph Carreon, a resident who said he has lived car-free for 18 months, urged a full ban on bicycles and scooters in parks and on sidewalks along lower-speed streets, saying in part, "I am for a complete a complete ban of bicycles, both non electric and electric, as well as scooters in our parks."
Parks and Recreation Director Loria framed the options for commissioners and recommended either (1) the ordinance as previously drafted (allow Class 1 e-bikes on trails, prohibit throttle-only bikes), (2) a full ban on all bicycles and similar devices from trails, or (3) an ordinance modeled on Union Township that allows non-motorized and certain micro-mobility devices but caps speeds at 10 miles per hour. "If we're gonna allow bikes, we gotta control the speed, travel on the right, pass on the left, announce yourself on the left," Loria said, listing the etiquette measures staff would expect to enforce alongside any allowance.
Commissioners discussed enforcement limits, regional connectivity and grant implications for trail funding. Several commissioners, including Commissioner Bush, voiced support for the Union Township–style approach. "I like option 3," Bush said during the work session. Commissioners noted that a wholesale ban (option 2) could conflict with regional trail development and funding aimed at multi-modal connectivity and tourism.
Staff and commissioners emphasized education and signage as part of any change. The commission discussed adding a trailhead sign package combining a 10 mph advisory and a clear list of trail etiquette (yield to pedestrians, keep right, announce passes, keep dogs on leash, do not block the trail). Staff also recommended flexibility in the audio-signal requirement (bells vs. audible vocal announcements) so enforcement focuses on safe passing rather than mandating hardware on every bicycle.
The commission agreed in principle to move forward with a draft ordinance based on option 3 (10 mph limit, Class 1 e-bikes allowed, throttle-only bikes prohibited on park trails) and asked staff to return with a formal ordinance and signage plan. The scope of the ordinance as discussed applies to the park trail system and not to standard street sidewalks (those are governed by separate rules). The commission also asked staff to coordinate language with Union Township and to factor regional trail/grant implications into the final draft.
Next steps: staff will prepare a revised ordinance and signage/education plan for formal consideration by the commission.
