Pulaski County fiscal court voted to advertise a proposed ordinance that would limit use of Pulaski Park's multi-use trails to pedestrians and nonmotorized bikes and set penalties for violations.

Josh Harris, who identified himself as an avid trail user and owner of a local bike shop, told the court he has seen an increase in unauthorized motorized use in recent years and described electric dirt bikes and side-by-sides as a growing safety and maintenance problem. "You can basically flick the throttle on one of these and be doing 45 miles an hour really quickly," Harris said, arguing the machines can spook horses and endanger families on the trails.

The county attorney summarized the ordinance during a first-reading briefing, saying the draft would prohibit motorized vehicles (including electric dirt bikes and motorcycles) on designated trails, include equine restrictions where appropriate, and create an enforcement framework. Under the draft, a first offense could result in a written warning or a fine up to $250; subsequent offenses would carry larger fines, possible impoundment of the violating vehicle and potential permanent bans from the trails.

The court voted to advertise the ordinance for a formal first reading and public comment. The advertisement starts the formal ordinance process; the court did not adopt the ordinance at this meeting and can modify language or enforcement details before a second reading and final vote.