Minor Recpath rule edits proposed; public comment urges allowance of Class 1 e‑mountain bikes beyond current paths

Summit County staff told the Open Space Advisory Council on March 5 that minor edits to the county Recpath Regulations will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners this spring to correct a reference and empower an open space ranger, should the position be created, to enforce the regulations. Staff also said the regulations will add a cross‑reference to Summit County’s Other Power‑Driven Mobility Device (OPDMD) Guidelines to help users with mobility disabilities find relevant guidance.

Jessica Forsyth, who signed the meeting minutes as Open Space and Trails Senior Resource Specialist, said the proposed changes do not expand public allowances for e‑bikes on the Recpath: Class 1 e‑bikes will remain permitted for the public, while users with mobility disabilities may use Class 1 and Class 2 e‑bikes under the OPDMD process. A council member asked about verification for mobility disabilities; staff explained that the law requires only "credible assurance," meaning a user is generally taken at their word rather than required to produce documentation.

During public comment, Larry Kelly of Silverthorne urged OSAC to consider allowing Class 1 e‑mountain bikes on Summit County trails beyond current Recpath permissions and said e‑bikes help people "age in place." Staff did not propose broader e‑bike allowances as part of these edits.

The BOCC will review the technical Recpath revisions this spring; any substantial policy changes to allowed uses would require a separate process, public notice and formal action.

Actions: staff to forward minor Recpath Regulation edits and OPDMD reference to the BOCC for review.