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Resident urges council to allow bicycles at Stevensville River Park; council pledges review
Summary
A Stevensville resident asked the council to change municipal code to allow bicycles on river park trails; council members said they will consult parks staff, consider signage and bring an ordinance proposal forward.
Stevensville — A longtime Stevensville resident urged the Town Council on April 23 to review a municipal rule that currently prohibits bicycles on the Stevensville River Park trails and to install signage to clarify allowed uses.
Stephen Jackman, who said he has lived in Stevensville 10 years, told the council he was surprised to learn only last week — when the mayor told him — that riding bicycles in the river park is not permitted. He said the park is a valuable asset and described seeing walkers, horses and e‑bikes on the trails; he asked the council to examine the municipal code and consider allowing low‑impact bicycle use.
"I didn't know till last week when I heard somebody go, 'Hey.' I go, 'What?' ... it was our mayor and he was trying to let me know that it's not legal to ride a bike inside," Jackman said during the public‑comment period.
Council members responded that staff have discussed trail improvements and signage with the parks manager, and one council member said they plan to bring an ordinance change before the council to allow bicycles on the river park trails. Mayor Hugh Cruz and other council members encouraged Mr. Jackman and other bicyclists to work with town staff on a proposal to improve trails and broaden access.
What’s next: Council asked parks staff to explore trail improvements and signage; a council member said they will formally propose an ordinance amendment to allow bicycles and present it at a future meeting.
