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LaSalle County committee keeps Class 1 e-bike limit, parks staff unveil bird checklist and nature‑center plans
Summary
The LaSalle County Property Committee voted Jan. 30 to recommend retaining Class 1 pedal‑assist e‑bikes (750W and below) on county trails while parks staff unveiled a bird checklist, new interpretive materials and plans to ready the nature‑center for spring programs.
LaSalle County’s Property Committee voted Jan. 30 to recommend keeping the county’s e‑bike rule aligned with Class 1 pedal‑assist bicycles (750 watts and below) while parks staff prepare outreach and nature‑center improvements.
Ken, the county parks representative, detailed winter maintenance and educational work under way at Catlin Park, including rebuilt picnic tables, newly ordered bollards for the community‑building slab and a handheld bird checklist compiled from a local photographer and a sound‑identification app. “I’ve already ordered posters,” Ken said, describing bird‑ID cards and clipboards that visitors and school groups can use for walks and educational programs.
Committee discussion shifted to changes Ken has proposed in the park rules and regulations. He noted a new Trails Section (Section 14) that would close trails to horses from Nov. 1 through April 30. On e‑bikes, Ken summarized state guidance: where a preserve’s rules do not otherwise prohibit e‑bikes, the state treats Class 1 pedal‑assist bikes (750W or less) as allowable on bicycle trails. The meeting chair said, “My personal opinion, and I would be no e‑bikes at all,” reflecting safety concerns raised by some members, including potential conflicts with equestrian users.
Mike moved — and Tom seconded — a recommendation to leave the county rule as written (Class 1 pedal‑assist, 750W and below). The motion carried. Ken said he will re‑check state definitions and may propose a lower wattage cutoff if state law or recent guidance warrants a change.
Board members and staff discussed practical enforcement and monitoring: a 10 mph trail speed limit was mentioned as a uniform rule, and one member urged a public feedback mechanism so park users can report rule violations or concerns. Ken said the department will solicit input and monitor the policy’s effects before making further adjustments.
The committee also approved payment of parks bills during the meeting.
What’s next: Ken said he expects to have plants in the ground and the nature‑center’s lower level staged for visitor use by late spring or early summer; any change to the e‑bike watt‑limit will be revisited after staff confirm current state standards.
