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Residents press Boulder City commission for clearer e‑bike rules and trail signage at Bootleg Canyon
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Summary
Public commenters raised safety concerns about electric bikes at Bootleg Canyon, urging clearer signage, wattage and speed limits, and stronger post‑event monitoring; Parks staff said signage and public education are planned but department lacks enforcement capacity.
City residents told the Boulder City Parks and Recreation Commission on March 23 that rising numbers of electric bicycles and motorized bikes are creating safety and trail‑use conflicts at Bootleg Canyon.
“I'm here mainly for the e bike discussion,” John Stone said during public comment, asking whether class‑2 bikes are legal on Bootleg trails and requesting clearer rules. Laurie Stone later urged the city to post signs that list allowed device classes and suggested including technical limits. “The Clark County thing said maximum of 750 watts … only up to 28 miles an hour,” she said, and asked whether the city could adopt similar language and post fines on signage to deter violations.
Director Callaway said staff will inspect trailheads and improve signage to show who and what is permitted and noted the department has undertaken a broader signage update across parks and trails. Callaway added that the department can use a part‑time trails maintenance person for monitoring and public education and produce flyers, but “we do not police that” and do not have sufficient staff to perform regular enforcement.
Commissioners and residents discussed practical monitoring options. John Stone recommended identifying a community liaison (for example, a mountain‑bike shop or volunteer group) to report issues and suggested targeted police patrols in the days after large events to address camping and other post‑event problems. Callaway said staff will verify that existing signs clearly state allowed uses and will return with any needed updates.
The commission did not take formal action at the meeting; staff were directed to review signage and public‑education steps and to report back in a future meeting.
