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LaSalle County tables parks e-bike rule change pending insurance review after safety concerns
Summary
The board amended park rules language to add dirt bikes, motorcycles and tractors to prohibited items, discussed allowing class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes on mixed-use trails, then voted to table the ordinance pending review by the county insurance trust.
LaSalle County Board discussed and then tabled an ordinance amending county parks rules to address electric bicycles and off-road vehicles.
Parks staff proposed allowing class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes on trails with speed and wattage limits consistent with state guidance; members raised safety concerns for mixed-use trails where horseback riders also use the same routes. Speakers questioned whether e-bikes would increase risk to walkers and equestrians, whether age limits should apply and whether insurance exposure had been evaluated. Parks staff said many state parks treat class 1 e-bikes as bicycles and that the county could monitor and revise rules if problems arise.
During the meeting the board amended Section 12(a) to add "motorcycles, tractors" after "dirt bikes", then voted on a motion to table the entire parks rules amendment and send it to the insurance trust for review before returning to the full board. The motion to table passed by roll call (19 ayes, 4 nays). Board members asked staff to review insurance implications and to be prepared with suggested amendments when the item returns.
