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Erie studies e‑bike rules and tighter open‑burning limits; no ordinances adopted
Summary
Council held study sessions on draft rules to allow class 1/2 e‑bikes on trails at a 15 mph limit and permit class 3 e‑bikes on roadways only; staff also proposed banning backyard burning of garbage/yard waste and adding ember‑screen and setback requirements, with final language to be refined with fire department input.
Erie, Colo. — Town staff and the police and fire departments led study sessions at the Dec. 16 council meeting on draft ordinances to regulate electric‑assisted bicycles and to tighten outdoor burning rules. No ordinance votes were taken; staff will return with refined language.
Police Chief Lee Mathis outlined the draft e‑bike approach: allow class 1 and 2 electrically assisted bicycles (pedal‑assist up to 20 mph) on trails, sidewalks and roadways where bicycles are permitted, with a 15 mph speed cap on trails and paths; restrict class 3 e‑bikes (assistance up to 28 mph) to roadways only. The draft would require proper labeling of e‑bikes and allow the town to restrict e‑bike access in specific parks or trail segments. Officers warned enforcement will be challenging for unlabeled or modified bikes and recommended an education campaign at schools and trail signage if the ordinance is adopted.
On open burning, staff proposed clearer language to prohibit burning garbage and yard waste, require ember‑retention screens for wood fire pits, and set a required separation distance from structures (drafted at 15 feet). Council discussed making exemptions for gas/propane fire pits (lower ember risk) and asked staff to consult Mountain View Fire for recommended setbacks and screening standards. The chief noted the town already may impose burn bans under high‑wind or red‑flag conditions and would enforce open‑burning rules primarily on a complaint basis.
Council suggested adding prominent trail signage (temporary and permanent) to advertise the 15 mph trail speed limit and educating parents and teenagers about where e‑bikes are permitted. Staff said they will refine labeling, lighting and modification‑detection language and return with a final draft for council consideration.
