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Parks Board recommends ordinance restricting e‑bikes, UTVs on town greenways; amendment to allow e‑bikes fails
Summary
The Parks Board voted a favorable recommendation to BOMA for Ordinance 2026‑003, which would limit the use of electric bicycles, e‑motos and utility terrain vehicles on the town greenway system; an attempt to amend the recommendation to keep all e‑bike classes permitted failed for lack of a second.
The Parks Board voted to recommend Ordinance 2026‑003 to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, endorsing local limits on motorized and electrically assisted devices on the town greenway system. The vote followed a staff presentation of definitions, safety concerns and enforcement options.
Staff member Speaker 6 told the board the draft ordinance "defines the bicycle, ebike, and UTVs" and "specifies greenways, paths, and trails within the town," and includes provisions on speed limits, permitted uses and enforcement. Speaker 6 said the town would pair code changes with community education modeled on work recently done in Nolensville.
The draft relies on state classifications for electric bicycles and staff reviewed the three e‑bike classes under Tennessee law, summarizing that class 1 and 2 top out at about 20 mph while class 3 approaches 28 mph. Speaker 6 noted higher speeds were a primary safety concern and said the draft treats higher‑speed devices differently.
Board members asked how the ordinance would be enforced. "As it's written, it's town administrator, his designee, as well as Williamson County Sheriff's Department," Speaker 6 said, adding that park staff and a soon‑to‑be‑filled parks position would provide routine presence in town parks. For code violations Speaker 3 said cases "go to Williamson County General Sessions Court" in Franklin until the town establishes another venue.
Discussion centered on whether to exclude e‑bikes entirely or to rely on a posted speed limit. Speaker 2 argued against excluding e‑bikes and emphasized enforceable speed limits, saying e‑bikes allow older or less‑able riders to remain active. "I would like to make amendment to the motion to include or not exclude e bikes class 1, 2 or 3," Speaker 2 proposed; Speaker 1 asked for a second and none was offered, so the amendment did not proceed.
After discussion the board approved a favorable recommendation to BOMA on Ordinance 2026‑003 by voice vote; opposing remarks were noted during the roll but the motion carried. Speaker 6 said the ordinance and staff recommendation will be presented at the BOMA work session following the Parks Board meeting.
The Parks Board's recommendation directs BOMA to consider the draft ordinance; the board did not make changes to the ordinance text during the meeting. BOMA will now take up the item at its work session later the same evening.
