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Wellington committee asks staff to draft code change to limit vehicles on bridle trails
Summary
Following a staff presentation, the Equestrian Preserve Committee agreed to ask staff to prepare a code change to prohibit vehicles (using statutory 'vehicle' language that includes e‑bikes and golf carts) on designated bridle trails, and recommended a phased enforcement pilot on high‑use routes during show season.
After a presentation on the town's trail history and existing ordinances, the Equestrian Preserve Committee asked staff to draft a code change to restrict vehicle use on designated bridle trails and to propose a targeted enforcement and education pilot during the next show season.
Planning staff reviewed the trail circulation history, master plans and code inconsistencies, noting that some signs on trails say 'no vehicles' even though the codified definition of 'vehicle' may include bicycles, golf carts and e‑bikes. The staff presentation summarized past planning work (master plans by CH2M Hill and updates in 2016–2025) and described the practical distinction between canal right‑of‑way trails and privately maintained horse trails.
On enforcement, staff described the current complaint‑driven approach: PBSO (Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office) responds to complaints and, in some past incidents, confiscated motorized units. Members repeatedly stressed safety concerns: horses spooking around bicycles and motorized vehicles, and point to at least one out‑of‑state incident cited by a member as an example of the risk.
Committee members proposed a phased approach: first, recommend that staff prepare draft code language using statutory definitions to prohibit "vehicles" on bridle trails; second, pick a small set of high‑use trails for a test enforcement/education period during show season; and third, ask engineering/staff to develop options so residents who rely on golf carts to reach horse shows can still access venues safely. One member summarized the committee view as: "No vehicles on the bridle trails," reflecting the consensus to prioritize equestrian safety while asking staff to address access trade‑offs.
Staff noted data exist on trail counts and usage that will inform which routes are candidates for a pilot. Members also discussed long‑term infrastructure tradeoffs, including traffic routing and costly road improvements (staff estimated some paving projects could exceed $10 million). The committee requested staff return with draft code language, an enforcement/education plan for a pilot, and recommendations for alternate access solutions where needed.
