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Trail Mix meeting: Spring Spruce Up draws 90 volunteers; group discusses e-bike rules and local trail access
Summary
Trail Mix members recapped a successful Spring Spruce Up (about 90 volunteers), welcomed a new volunteer secretary, heard reports on a new Bike Bus and Bartlett Wash access, and discussed e-bike classification (HB0381) and safety signage for multiuse paths.
At its April 14 meeting, the Grand County Trail Mix Committee celebrated a large volunteer turnout at its Spring Spruce Up event, set planning dates for upcoming volunteer workdays, and discussed local active-transportation safety and ebike classification as state legislation moves toward clearer definitions.
Colin, who helped organize this year’s Spring Spruce Up, told the group that signups climbed from about 20 a week before the event to roughly 90 volunteers on the day, who completed eight projects across the area. "By the time the event started, I think we had that up to 90 volunteers," Colin said, adding that the event created follow-on volunteer commitments for local organizations.
The committee also welcomed Lucas Blake as its volunteer secretary. Lucas introduced himself: "I own Red Desert Land Surveying, the only survey company in Moab. I'm elected Grand County surveyor," he said. Members asked Lucas to circulate notes and help prepare material for local outlets.
Transportation and trail access were recurring themes. Colin reported the first Bike Bus run, estimating "probably 30–40ish" participants, and said the weekly ride will continue on Fridays while school is in session. Members discussed Bartlett Wash as an underused riding area, noting difficult vehicle access and suggesting improved signage, maps or a printed guide to help visitors find suitable access points.
Safety on multiuse paths was a major part of the conversation. Emily and other attendees raised concerns about crowding and device etiquette on popular paths; the group discussed adding painted centerlines, speed signage, and better messaging for visitors. Colin summarized a piece of state legislation the group had reviewed (HB0381), saying it appears to clarify when an electric device qualifies as an ebike and that the bill’s threshold — motor-only operation over about 20 mph without pedaling — would make some high-speed, motor-driven devices clearly illegal on multiuse paths.
"Sounds like maybe it's just helping set clear lines of what is and what isn't an ebike," Colin said during the meeting, noting that clearer statutes could help law enforcement and public messaging.
Other items: the trail office said Mud Springs would open on the 16th; the Spanish Valley Pathway remains underfunded by roughly $1.1 million and staff are exploring grant options; and the group set May 6 for the next Work Wednesday at Navajo Rocks. Members also discussed illegal/sanctioned trail concerns in Castle Valley and an IMBA/EMBA trail-town application (application fees and eligibility requirements were noted).
What’s next: members were asked to submit comments to local decision-makers on trail-safety issues and to help publicize the Spring Spruce Up recap for broader outreach. The group closed with a reminder to circulate notes and minutes and to confirm volunteers and upcoming dates.
