10/29/2026 - Mercer Island - Special Joint Opens Space Conservancy Trust / Parks & Rec Commission

Mercer Island Parks and Recreation Commission and Open Space Conservancy Trust special joint meeting, October 29, 2026: Management analyst Amelia Jade presented community outreach and survey findings on e-bikes in parks, trails, and open spaces, following the City Council’s May 2025 direction to develop an ordinance. Participants discussed safety concerns, especially trail speed, crowding, youth use, and conflicts with pedestrians, alongside accessibility and transportation benefits for some riders. They also noted confusion between e-bikes and e-motos, which are subject to different rules. State law already distinguishes e-bike classes and restricts Class 3 bikes on sidewalks and soft-surface trails; the city cannot change rules for the I-90 trail.

The joint bodies discussed maintaining current rules, allowing e-bikes except where prohibited, or prohibiting them except where permitted, as well as whether to distinguish classes and consider speed limits. Views were mixed, and no formal vote or binding policy decision was made. Members suggested that staff consider criteria such as park size and use, trail surface and condition, environmental sensitivity, amenities, and safe school or transportation connections when evaluating locations. Signage, education, enforcement, and later review of any adopted rules were also raised. Staff will use the feedback to develop a policy recommendation; no procurement, contract, or budget action was identified.