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Parks board to revisit e-bike rules after members raise safety concerns
Summary
Board members flagged speed and safety problems tied to class‑three e‑bikes and neighborhood sidewalk usage and agreed to return to the topic in July for fuller consideration; staff emphasized state law treats class 1 and 2 e‑bikes like bicycles while class 3 is faster and restricted on certain trails.
Board members discussed e‑bike concerns June 22 and directed staff to bring the issue back for a fuller July discussion rather than take immediate action.
Mr. Gilly introduced the item, saying the public works committee asked the parks board to evaluate e‑bike issues in parks and the community. "There are three classes of e‑bikes, class one, two, and three. Classes one and two are basically, according to state law, just like a bicycle," he said, adding that class‑three models have more power and speed.
Members described recent neighborhood incidents and asked whether the parks department has legal responsibility if riders are injured in parks; a reply from staff indicated the city has no additional liability beyond standard responsibilities and that parks cannot unilaterally ban ordinary bicycles where state law treats them as bicycles. Board members stressed safety concerns — a desire to keep walkers and children safe — and acknowledged the topic is complex and will require more discussion, public input and a review of signage and trail rules.
No motion or ordinance was introduced; the board agreed to revisit the subject at a July meeting for deeper consideration and community outreach.
