Committee proposes banning vehicles on bridle trails, renaming trail map to 'Trails in Wellington'

The Equestrian Preserve Committee discussed a series of changes to the town’s trail materials and enforcement approach on Dec. 3, asking staff to bring proposed code changes and an implementation plan that would restrict vehicle use on core bridle trails.

Tim, staff, reviewed the community’s trail planning history (master plans and updates) and highlighted inconsistencies between trail signage and the code. He recommended retitling the existing brochure and map so the public can more easily distinguish off-trail paths from dedicated bridle trails; he told the committee the brochure should be called "Trails in Wellington" rather than "Biking in Wellington."

On enforcement and safety, Tim and others said most enforcement is complaint-driven and handled by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO); Tim noted PBSO has in past cases confiscated illegal motorized units used on trails. Members repeatedly raised safety concerns about the commingling of horses with bicycles, golf carts and e-bikes. As one committee member said, prioritizing mounted equestrians’ safety suggests a phased approach: ban motorized vehicles on designated bridle trails, pilot targeted enforcement and education on a few high-use trails during show season, and task staff and engineering to recommend alternative access routes for residents who rely on golf carts to reach show venues.

Resident Maureen Bridal asked what immediate effects a code change would have on access and ongoing applications; staff answered that the proposal would be a recommendation to staff/counsel and that the committee asked for a targeted enforcement period to educate before strict enforcement. The committee agreed by consensus to ask staff to draft code language to prohibit motorized vehicles on core bridle trails, to remove bridle trails from the biking brochure/map as appropriate, and to return with proposed enforcement and access solutions.