Residents urge Redmond to act on electric motorcycles after reports of trail damage and safety incidents

Several Redmond residents used the public‑comment period to press the council and police for action on electric 'motorcycle dirt bikes' being used on sidewalks, bike paths, and in Dry Canyon.

A speaker introduced by the facilitator as "Eve Bonder" self‑identified during remarks as Eve Ponder and said electric motorcycle dirt bikes — which she distinguished from electric bicycles — are not street legal yet are being ridden on sidewalks, trails and in parks, creating safety risks and resource damage. She asked the city and Redmond Police to enforce existing prohibitions, add signage, expand outreach through schools and utility‑bill notices, and form a citizen–police–staff task force to engage riders and plan rehabilitation of damaged areas.

Lance Wright, a resident, described the vehicles as a growing market, widely sold locally, and argued they are inappropriate for trails and canyon areas because of their speed and capability; he urged proactive education and local action rather than waiting for state regulation. Richard Lance, a long‑time park user, said e‑motorcycles have degraded unpaved trails and occasionally threatened pedestrians; he said staff response and public education to date are inadequate and asked for a multi‑stakeholder effort to address the issue before a serious injury occurs.

Tim Dugan asked for emergency temporary attention to prevent further ground‑cover loss and said recent small fires and subsequent use for jumps have quickly degraded areas of the canyon. He urged the council to prioritize police response and possible resource allocation for immediate remediation.

Mayor Fitch responded during council comments that he does not believe police are telling children they can ignore the law and encouraged residents to raise enforcement concerns directly with the police; he also said signage, physical barriers and committee coordination (parks commission and bike/ped commission) are options under consideration.

No enforcement action or ordinance was adopted at the meeting; councilors said the issue is already on a council work session agenda and that staff and school resource officers are pursuing education as an immediate measure.