BPAMAC discusses E‑bike regulation, Bicycle Friendly application and committee appointments

The City of Winston‑Salem Bicycle/Pedestrian/Active Mobility Advisory Committee approved minutes from its April 8 meeting and moved on to updates about E‑bike regulation, a city Bicycle Friendly Community application and membership changes.

The committee voted unanimously to approve the April 8 minutes after Carol Hoover moved to approve and Lisa Blythe seconded. Chair Amy Easter announced approval of the motion.

Committee member Michael Hosey summarized a BikeWalkNC webinar on E‑bikes, saying the “current state of E‑bike regulation is the ‘Wild West,’” and that rules often hinge on how a bike is categorized—frequently by wattage—which can make enforcement and registration difficult. Hosey urged the group to review the webinar materials on the BikeWalkNC website to inform future local policy.

During the same discussion, guest Jess Easter asked whether E‑bikes can use greenways when Lime scooters are prohibited. Hunter Staszak, WSDOT staff, responded that the city’s ban on Lime scooters using greenways is a city ordinance and that Lime has in the past supported the restriction because of concerns about managing scooters off street; allowing scooters on greenways would require changing that ordinance and updating the city’s contract with the provider. The committee expressed interest in reviewing micromobility contract terms and the city’s policies on where scooters and E‑bikes are allowed to travel.

Liam Bowman, WSDOT staff, told members the Bicycle Friendly Community application is due June 17 and said he would circulate a near‑final draft by the end of May. Bowman requested photos of placemaking along greenways and the bike network; committee members Ned Erikson, Lisa Blythe and George Schaaf said they would submit photos by the end of May. Michael Hosey said he would revisit application section F4 on partnerships and community collaborators.

On membership, Bowman said the Office of the Mayor placed two applicants—Monica Funderburk and George Schaaf—on the City Council agenda for May 18 for appointment; if confirmed, both committee vacancies would be filled. Bowman also said members with expired terms (Ned Erikson, Michael Hosey and Ryan Gustman) must email confirmation of continued interest and residency before he forwards reappointments to the mayor’s office.

Working groups reported outreach and policy work. Hosey outlined outreach events including the Ride of Silence, World Day of Remembrance, Gears & Guitars and Safe Kids programs at Reynolds High School, Downtown School and Kaleideum, and invited member participation at events. Carol Hoover said the Policy, Plan and Project working group is drafting a sidewalk recommendation tied to the Walkable Winston‑Salem plan and plans to have staff review the proposal prior to Planning Board referral. Hoover urged members to report issues via CityLink; she cited an instance where reporting led to a sidewalk repair. Hunter Staszak asked the committee for strategic action to support funding efforts for the Long Branch Trail extension and said staff would provide a template for outreach.

Chair Amy Easter drew attention to an events table in the agenda listing upcoming dates and said the committee should review the city budget and provide feedback. Richard Sebastian voiced support for committee participation in the City of Winston‑Salem University program. Committee members discussed canceling the July meeting due to travel conflicts; staff confirmed the next meeting for June 10, 2026, 4:00–5:30 p.m., virtual via Microsoft Teams.

The meeting adjourned with staff and members agreeing on follow‑ups: staff will circulate the near‑final Bicycle Friendly application and will discuss education outreach with Lime administration; committee members will submit photos and confirm reappointment interest as requested.