Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the E Bike Ordinance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Lakeville staff proposes 15 mph trail speed limit, new e-bike ordinance and education/enforcement measures
Summary
City staff presented draft trail regulations to clarify e-bike classifications, restrict off-trail use and set a 15 mph speed limit for trails; staff recommended signage, painted speed markings, focused enforcement at hotspots and education campaigns coordinated with Dakota County Greenways.
Lakeville staff presented proposed ordinance language and enforcement recommendations that aim to close gaps in the city's current trail rules for e-bikes, scooters and other motorized devices.
Mr. Maciarchin, who introduced the item, said state statute provides an e-bike definition but local ordinance does not clearly address the variety of new devices. "The ordinance as it stands now would restrict speeds on our trails across the board to 15," staff said, noting the 15 mph limit would apply to all trail users under the proposed language. Chief Austin joined staff in describing enforcement and education needs.
Council and staff discussed tactics to reduce conflicts: trailhead signage, painted speed limits on pavement in key areas, design changes in hotspots to naturally slow traffic, and targeted education through recreation staff and local bike shops. Staff noted the city has roughly 120 miles of paved trails and will prioritize high-use corridors rather than signing every segment at once.
The item was a policy discussion; staff said they will return with draft ordinance language, signage and an enforcement/education plan. No ordinance change was adopted at this meeting.
