Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Greenways Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
BOMA approves first reading of greenway ordinance; amendement allows Class 1–2 e-bikes for riders 16 and older
Summary
BOMA held a lively debate on Ordinance 2026-003 regulating greenway uses. After public comment and discussion about enforcement, the board amended the draft to clarify speed language and to permit Class 1–2 e-bikes for riders 16+; the first reading passed 5–0 after an amendment vote of 4–1.
BOMA conducted a contested first reading of Ordinance 2026-003 to regulate bicycle, e-bike and utility-terrain vehicle (UTV) use on town greenways and trails.
The ordinance, recommended by the Parks Advisory Board, originally restricted greenways to pedestrians and standard pedal bicycles while excluding e-bikes and UTVs and set a 15 mph speed cap. Parks presenter (speaker 5) told the board the parks advisory board recommended the restriction to prioritize pedestrian safety.
Public commenter Larry Simmons (3116 Hazleton) urged the board to reconsider a full e-bike ban, saying many residents — especially older adults — now use Class 1 and 2 e-bikes to travel between subdivisions and that comparable regional greenways allow Class 1–2 e-bikes. "E-bikes are the way you get around between them," Simmons said.
Board members proposed two amendments. One clarified wording by replacing "level" with "speed" in the code. A second amendment, moved and seconded during deliberations, would permit Class 1 and 2 e-bikes for riders 16 and older while retaining bans on scooters and higher-powered e-modes. That amendment passed on a 4–1 roll-call vote after debate about enforcement (age verification, helmets) and grant-funded trail restrictions; the board then approved the main motion as amended on a 5–0 vote.
Staff cautioned that enforcement will be challenging given the town's lack of a local police force and parks enforcement capacity, and board members discussed options including surveys, additional public input, licensing or returning the matter to the parks board for more study. The ordinance returns for a second reading with the clarified language and the e-bike age limitation in place.
