Council approves Snyderville Basin e‑bike rules: 15 mph on pathways, natural‑surface limits for most riders

The Snyderville Basin Recreation District board presented proposed changes to trail rules and county code that would allow electric‑assisted bicycles on multiuse transportation pathways, establish a 15 mph speed limit on those paths, and continue to prohibit e‑mountain bikes on natural‑surface singletrack except for riders age 65 and older or people with mobility disabilities.

Brandy Connolly, presenting for Basin Recreation, told the council the proposals are intended to align Basin Rec with Park City Municipal code and to address safety and user‑conflict concerns. "Our proposed code changes will obviously allow ebikes within the established classification of trail systems, establish the speed limit, create the conditional use that Dana just referenced," she said.

Staff cited a public outreach program: the survey packet included mailings to roughly 11,000–12,000 households and two survey samples, with 743 respondents from the Recreation District and an additional statistically valid sample referenced in the materials. Basin Rec said a strong majority supported a pathway speed limit and keeping singletrack restricted to older adults and people with mobility disabilities.

Public testimony at the meeting reflected the divided views. Longtime resident John Adams told the board he and his wife walk daily and described what he called dangerous e‑bike behavior: "We have a serious problem with kids, riding 2 or 3 abreast on a very small trail...they will be going as fast as these bikes can go, and they are going very fast." By contrast, Ryan Goff, who identified himself as a bike‑industry engineer and frequent local rider, supported the 65+ mobility‑disability exception but urged clearer ordinance language and designated e‑mountain bike routes in the future.

Councilors and staff debated enforcement practicality; sheriff's deputies and Basin Rec rangers will be involved but speakers acknowledged enforcement will depend heavily on education and voluntary compliance. Several council members praised coordination with Park City and the value of a consistent approach across jurisdictions.

The board moved to approve an amendment to Title 7, Chapter 5 (Snyderville Basin parks and recreation) to adopt the changes; the motion carried by voice vote.

Next steps: staff and Basin Rec plan coordinated public education, signage and interagency ranger coordination to implement the new speed limit and access rules.