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Grants Pass bans motorized vehicles on Dollar Mountain trails, cites safety and erosion concerns
Summary
The council unanimously adopted an emergency ordinance banning self‑propelled motorized vehicles on the newly developed Dollar Mountain trails, citing safety risks to cyclists, trail damage and wildfire ignition risk; exceptions include emergency and authorized maintenance vehicles and class‑1 e‑bikes.
The Grants Pass City Council voted unanimously to add Municipal Code section 5.57.220 to prohibit motorized vehicle use on the newly developed Dollar Mountain trail network, amending penalty language in section 1.36.010.J and declaring an emergency.
Parks staff told council the city invested roughly $1 million to acquire Dollar Mountain property and more than $600,000 to build mountain‑bike and pedestrian trails designed for non‑motorized use. During construction, motorized vehicles caused damage requiring repairs — staff cited more than $10,000 in repair costs during development — and continued post‑construction incursions have produced ruts and erosion that change drainage patterns.
Staff and the police chief explained safety concerns: motorized uphill travel on downhill‑only bike trails creates collision risks for cyclists, and deep ruts can cause bike crashes. Officials also cited wildfire risk from hot exhaust and emphasized that continued motorized use deters intended users. The ordinance would allow exceptions for emergency responders, authorized maintenance vehicles (including telecommunications tower maintenance), and class‑1 e‑bikes; it excludes class‑E or higher e‑bikes.
The ordinance authorizes the city to impose fines up to the municipal code maximum and allows courts to order restitution for damage caused by violations. Council and staff discussed signage and outreach; staff reported outreach to local motorized groups and some social media engagement, but enforcement challenges remain because off‑road vehicles are fast and sometimes avoid contact with officers. Chief Hensman said enforcement discretion exists but recommended immediate enforcement rather than warnings in many cases.
Public commenters urged use of cameras, stronger penalties during high fire danger and possible impoundment for repeat offenders. Council passed the ordinance on an emergency basis and directed staff to continue outreach and identify enforcement choke points.
Quote: "The ruts are and other damage have changed water flow patterns and those can lead to erosion events which will cause further damage," staff said.
