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KRTA OKs $1,000 baseline to install 15 mph advisory signs after e-bike safety debate
Summary
The Kiwanis Regional Trail Authority voted to set a 15 mph advisory speed limit for class 1 e-bikes and authorized a baseline $1,000 budget to begin purchasing and posting signs; members cited DNR guidance, enforcement limits, and education needs.
The Kiwanis Regional Trail Authority voted Tuesday to authorize a baseline $1,000 budget to install 15 mph advisory speed-limit signs on the regional trail after extended discussion about e-bike use, safety and enforcement.
The action followed a presentation on recent state guidance from Jeremiah, who said the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has reclassified e-bikes into classes 1–3 and noted a public act last summer that permits certain e-bike classes on linear paved trails. "Class 1… is essentially a pedal-assist; class 2 and 3 allow higher speeds," Jeremiah said during the meeting.
Members described mounting public complaints about noise and speeding. "We're getting a lot of noise about ebikes out on the trail," the chair said, summarizing constituent concerns. Members and staff raised enforcement limits: Vince, addressing policing capacity, explained bicycle patrols and electronic-citation logistics and said reckless driving charges would be his likely enforcement option for dangerous conduct.
Several members proposed education and signage as the immediate response. S5 argued for an advisory 15 mph limit rather than an ordinance, saying an advisory sign would be easier to implement and less likely to require municipal ordinance changes. "I guess my opinion would be to allow the class 1 with a 15 mile an hour limit," S5 said.
After discussion about sign production and staff capacity, the board moved and approved an item to authorize a not-to-exceed $1,000 baseline for producing and installing 15 mph advisory signs; the motion passed on roll call with affirmative votes recorded from Member Steele, Member Swallow, Member King and Member Emmerich.
The board directed staff to return a cost proposal at the next meeting and to include recommended trail etiquette messaging. Jason volunteered to contact the sign shop and provide estimated costs in advance of the July meeting. The board did not adopt an ordinance and left enforcement details to local municipal authority and police discretion.
The item will be revisited at the KRTA's July 8 meeting with a staff-provided sign-cost estimate and proposed text for public-education materials.
