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Residents press board on e-bike and trail safety; police say enforcement is difficult
Summary
Residents raised concerns about e-bikes and dirt bikes using the Montour Trail and township roads; police said catching riders is difficult on the trail and recommended patrols, speed trailers and exploring a township e-bike ordinance modeled on nearby Peters Township.
Multiple residents told the board that electric dirt bikes and e-bikes are using the Montour Trail and township roads at speeds that concern neighbors. Chief Sean Bukovinski said officers have trouble pursuing motorcycles or dirt bikes on the trail because patrol vehicles cannot access all trail segments and riders can quickly leave the trail onto roads or off-road paths.
"When we catch them, we cite them. When we find out who they are, we make sure that they're appropriately handled through the court system," Chief Bukovinski said. He added enforcement is often difficult because of access limitations and response delays. Board members and staff discussed researching sample e-bike ordinances (Peters Township was named as an example) and asked staff to pull sample language for consideration at a future meeting. Residents were encouraged to continue reporting incidents to 911 so police can respond when possible.
Why it matters: trail safety and the safety of motorists and residents around construction zones were raised repeatedly; the board asked staff to research ordinances as a tool to improve enforceability and deterrence.
