Richland residents press commission on e-bikes, motorized vehicles and trail safety; staff proposes signage and outreach
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Summary
Dozens of public commenters urged clearer rules and enforcement after repeated reports of high-speed motorized vehicles on Richland multi-use trails. Staff said rangers can educate but lack ticketing authority and proposed a signage audit, subcommittee and ambassador program for 2026.
Dozens of Richland residents raised safety concerns about high-speed motorized vehicles and mixed trail use at the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on Nov. 13, telling commissioners they have been nearly struck by e-motorcycles and scooters and find current signs and speed limits confusing.
"Last summer, a young fellow passed me at a very fast speed. I would guess 30 miles per hour or more within inches," an email from resident Leila Crojak, read into the record, said, adding that e-motorbikes are legally motor vehicles but often lack licensing or required training. Sarah Letard, a regular walker at Leslie Groves Park, said poor signage makes it unclear which path is meant for pedestrians and which for bikes, and that she has almost been run over multiple times.
The comments prompted an extended staff response. Director Chris Waite acknowledged the problem and outlined what parks staff can and cannot do: "Our rangers do have a limited commission, but their commission only applies to parking enforcement," Waite said, adding that rangers can approach users to educate them and call nonemergency police when people refuse to comply. "They do not have the ability to ticket someone for behavior," he told the commission.
Waite and park staff proposed several non-enforcement steps for 2026: a signage audit to clarify trail rules and etiquette, formation of a stakeholder subcommittee or advisory group that would include cycling and pedestrian representatives, an ambassador or volunteer program to provide on-trail education, and a targeted awareness campaign. Waite also noted regional coordination may be needed because the trail network crosses municipal boundaries.
Residents and cycling educators urged clearer distinctions between pedal-assist e-bikes (typically treated as bicycles) and throttle-capable motorized vehicles, and recommended point-of-sale identification to help enforcement distinguish vehicle types. Several speakers recommended raising posted path speed limits (some suggested 12–15 mph) to improve compliance; others emphasized that enforcement remains necessary for repeat offenders.
The commission did not take formal action on changing ordinances at the meeting but scheduled a workshop and public engagement next week and noted that park-hours changes will be on council agendas in December. Director Waite said staff will return to the commission with specific signage recommendations, outreach plans, and a proposed subcommittee structure in early 2026.
Next steps: staff will conduct a signage audit and draft options for a trails subcommittee and ambassador program; any enforcement changes would require coordination with the Richland Police Department and possible code amendments.
