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Residents urge less restrictive e‑bike rules in parks, propose speed limits and community engagement
Summary
Residents said staff’s proposed e-bike restrictions on Mercer Island parks are too broad and urged the city to consider speed limits, clearer signage, trail separation, education, and direct engagement with e-bike users instead of blanket bans.
Several Mercer Island residents told the council they oppose staff’s proposed restrictions on electric bicycles in parks and open spaces and urged a more nuanced approach.
Jim Stanton, a 40‑year resident, said restricting Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes and banning Class 3 on trails would push riders onto streets that are not safe alternatives for children and adults. He said parks provide safer routes and that limiting e-bikes in parks without improving street alternatives would not solve the safety problem.
Jay Greer, a youth mountain‑bike coach and parent, urged the city to involve the e‑biking community in developing rules, suggested a 15 mph speed limit on trails, clearer signage, physical separation where appropriate, and user education to reduce conflicts. He said staff has posted a proposal that will be discussed later in the week by the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Open Space Conservancy and encouraged the formation of a working group to include riders, parks staff and council members.
Speakers said Mercer Island lags neighboring jurisdictions in providing safe, connected bicycle infrastructure and urged council and staff to prioritize connections to the island’s forthcoming light-rail station when considering e-bike policy.
