Open Space Advsiory Board Agenda and Packet 2024 11 13

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Open Space Advisory Board Minutes October 9, 2024 Page 3 of 4 acquisitions fund after 2030. David requested a list of where the rest (70%) of the 2C money is going and Ember said that she would look into it. We are potentially discussing the dividing of money in the December OSAB meeting, which would follow a report from the acquisitions tiger team in the November OSAB meeting. We will have a desk meeting on acquisition priorities in November and will review the acquisition process in preparation for the new city manager. A field trip to visit the sites of potential open space acquisitions will take place in 2025. 9. 8:00 pm Discussion Item: E-Bike Regulations on Trails. Presented by Ember Brignull, Open Space Superintendent (30 minutes) Although one can argue that there is an issue of trail etiquette in general, the discussion focused primarily on the e-bike component of Council's recommendations. Susan mentioned that she feels that it is very important to have consistent e-bike regulations across neighboring communities. Lafayette has a 15 mph speed limit and class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed. Erie and the City of Boulder also allow class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Boulder County allows class 1 and 2 e-bikes and in addition does not allow any e-bikes regardless of class on certain trails in the foothills and mountains. Council directed the police to address behavioral issues rather than focusing on the types of bikes that people are riding. The police are working with the school district, Girl Scouts Troops, and retailers to discuss the law and etiquette as it relates to e-bikes. They are instructing on what constitutes an e-bike as opposed to low powered scooters and motorcycles/unclassified motorized bikes. Class 2's typically have throttle assist, but they are seeing hybrids where throttles are seen on class 3's as well. A 750 Watt motor is the limit for an e-bike and above that, they are considered low power scooters. Police are able to enforce state traffic codes related to e-bikes right now. Charles mentioned that he was impressed with the safety of the vast majority of e-bike riders coming and going from Louisville Middle School (LMS), whereas Brad thought that the majority were not demonstrating safe riding behavior. A parent attending the meeting as a member of the public also echoed that the students are generally exhibiting unsafe riding behavior. Police Chief Gutierrez says the police force is trying not to be too heavy handed with enforcement. The 15 mph speed limit signs that are being proposed for the city trails and paths are primarily for encouraging good behavior and are helpful when it comes to safety regardless of the level of enforcement. He also reiterated that for right now we are enforcing state laws, which include no class 3-bikes on trails and paths and no e-bikes of any class allowed on sidewalks. David mentioned that he served on the Boulder Mountain bike Patrol and found that the educational, but not enforcement, nature of the volunteer bike patrol is something that was found to work very well on City and County of Boulder trails. It could be something to explore in Louisville. Students attending the meeting inquired about whether the speed or behavior of e-bikes is the primary issue. They also mentioned that they have seen unsafe e- City of Louisville Parks Division 749 Main Street Louisville CO 80027 303.335.4774 (phone) www.LouisvilleCO.gov 5