Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Search-and-rescue flags ebike-recovery and safety challenges as OHV units come online
Summary
Search-and-rescue reported new OHV units are ready but said heavier e-bikes complicate rescues; members discussed options for recovery services, battery handling and improved signage at low-water and cliff-jump sites.
Search-and-rescue officials told the Grand County Trail Mix Committee their new off-highway vehicles (procured via an OHVR grant) are operational and already in service, but responders warned that electric bikes complicate field recoveries.
Operational issues: The presenter said ebikes are heavier and harder to lift onto rescue trailers; responders reported roughly three ebike-related rescues this year and asked for ideas for safer recovery methods or recovery-service referrals. The group discussed removing batteries in the field and sharing recovery-service contacts with motorized users.
Visitor-safety priorities: Search-and-rescue also recommended photographic signage at locations with flash-flood risk and emphasized human-waste and cliff-jump hazards at Mill Creek and Hell’s Gate; staff suggested visual imagery draws more attention than text-only warnings.
Next steps: Committee members agreed to coordinate signage options and consider distributing WAG bags and trailhead information; rescue teams will continue to review equipment options for ebike transport and propose solutions.
