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New resident urges clearer rules and enforcement for motorized devices on trail
Summary
A resident who walks the local trail every day asked whether the city defines 'motor vehicle' for trail use and urged monitoring and enforcement as e-bikes and other motorized devices pass close to pedestrians. Councilors and the sheriff discussed monitoring options but no enforcement change was enacted.
A new resident identified as David told the council he walks the trail every day while recovering from surgery and raised safety concerns about motorized devices (e-bikes, electric skateboards and wide-tire bikes) passing too close to pedestrians.
"Is there a definition of what constitutes a mobile field or a motor vehicle?" David asked, seeking clarity on what is allowed on the trail and whether the sheriff’s office enforces trail restrictions. Council members and other speakers said deputies are present in the area through the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office but the resident emphasized he rarely sees enforcement on the trail itself and suggested monitoring options such as radar, pressure plates or pedestrian-activated lights.
Council asked staff to collect additional information and consider the topic at an upcoming retreat; no ordinance changes or enforcement directives were made during the meeting.
