Board hears greenway closures, solar‑lighting pilot and growing concerns about e‑bikes on natural trails

Liaison reports at the May meeting covered committee site visits, trail maintenance and pilot projects.

Jeff (Greenways liaison) reported two greenway closures, including work at the Laster Mill underpass that will keep a trail closed through the end of June, and summarized a small pilot of solar lighting that placed one solar pole near Capitol Boulevard and two solar bollards on a nearby boardwalk.

SWAT (stewardship) reports described a greenhouse tour and a pilot invasive‑plant removal program that has run about 10 volunteer workdays across city parks with turnout ranging from three to ten volunteers depending on weekday or weekend scheduling.

A board member raised repeated concerns about e‑bikes and other electric personal mobility devices on natural‑surface trails and turf areas, citing safety risks for walkers and the potential for cyclists (often youth) to dig informal trails that cause repeated maintenance burdens. The member asked staff to coordinate with transportation colleagues; staff said the issue is being considered and may be drafted as broader e‑wheeled device guidance rather than e‑bike specific regulation.

Why it matters: closures affect trail users and events; pilots and volunteer programs indicate expanding stewardship activity; the e‑bike discussion reflects a nationwide trend that local policy may need to address.

What’s next: staff will share resources and coordinate cross‑committee discussions about potential regulatory or educational responses to e‑wheeled device use on natural trails, and will post greenway closure notices as projects proceed.