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Parks staff proposes education-first approach to e-bikes on trails; enforcement concerns remain

Bay City Parks (meeting) · October 31, 2025

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Summary

Parks staff reported a recent committee meeting recommending allowance of Class 1–3 e-bikes on trails accompanied by education and etiquette signage; commissioners noted policing challenges and distinguished e-bikes from motorized dirt bikes and mini-bikes, which are causing trail damage.

Greg, parks staff, said parks committee members held a Zoom meeting about e-bikes after public comments generated a lot of input. Staff reported the committee will pursue state-level guidance and suggested allowing Class 1–3 e-bikes on trails while emphasizing education, etiquette and signage (announce passes, use bells/horns).

Commissioners and staff agreed enforcement is difficult and that the main enforcement problems on the rail trail and in the arboretum come from motorized mini-bikes and dirt bikes rather than Class 1–3 e-bikes. Staff said the immediate next step is to add consistent signage emphasizing shared-path etiquette and to monitor state-level changes that might alter local rules.

No ordinance change was adopted at the meeting.