Thompson's Station moves closer to greenway e-bike rules and 15 mph speed limit

Thompson's Station staff presented a revised ordinance at the June work session that would regulate bicycles, Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes, and e-scooters on town greenways, sidewalks and trails while banning Class 3 e-bikes and other motorized vehicles on those routes (emergency and government vehicles excluded).

Mike Sullivan, staff, told the board the second reading updates definitions and clarifies that Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes and standard bicycles and e-scooters are allowed on greenways, but "other electric or motor powered vehicles would not be allowed on any of the greenways or trails, with the exception of emergency, vehicles, government vehicles." The draft also adds a maximum 15 mph speed limit for greenways.

Board members discussed signage and public education. One member noted enforcement during weekends could be difficult because Public Works typically is not staffed then, and the parks coordinator role (to be filled soon) was identified as an early point of contact to run education and compliance efforts. Staff said implementing enforcement beyond signage could have budget implications if the town requests additional weekend staffing.

Members also debated whether to separate Class 1 (pedal-assist) from Class 2 (throttle-assist) e-bikes; staff said Class 1 and Class 2 are often regulated together because both have a roughly 20 mph limit, while Class 3 (higher-speed) and eMotos/dirt bikes remain a separate enforcement concern. The ordinance is scheduled to return for adoption after the board completes its review and any edits.

If adopted, the ordinance would apply to greenways, sidewalks and trails; the town emphasized that street enforcement of rules of the road remains the sheriff's responsibility.