84.2% of 952 residents in Germantown's e-bike survey back a recommended speed limit on park trails and the Greenway. Two city commissions review next.
Most Germantown residents who answered a city survey on electric bikes want a recommended speed limit on park trails and the Greenway. The figure was 84.2% of 952 respondents.
The City of Germantown published the results Wednesday in a city news release on the e-bike survey. It said safety emerged as a significant concern. The city has not adopted any e-bike rule. It said it is gathering information instead of adopting a blanket policy.
What residents said
From the city’s summary of the 952 responses:
- 196 own or ride an e-bike, a motorized bicycle or an e-moto.
- 433 reported significant safety concerns about e-bikes in Germantown. Another 335 reported moderate concern.
- 64.6% have experienced or seen an unsafe situation involving an e-bike.
- 84.2% support a recommended speed limit for e-bikes on park trails and the Greenway.
- 37.9% do not think e-bikes bring significant benefits to the community.
- 29.4% named recreation, exercise and leisure as a benefit, and 21.7% named better mobility for seniors and people with disabilities.
Roads and bike lanes
Respondents were more relaxed about e-bikes on the street than on trails. Nearly 800 said Class 1 e-bikes should generally be allowed on roads or in bike lanes, the city said. Those are pedal-assist bikes with a top assisted speed of 20 mph.
About 700 said the same of Class 2 and Class 3 bikes. Class 2 bikes have a throttle and reach 20 mph. Class 3 bikes are pedal-assist up to 28 mph.
What happens next
Two appointed city bodies are studying the issue together: the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Transportation Commission. The city said they are looking at trail safety and accessibility.
Parks and Recreation Director Natalie Ruffin said the next step is to wait for the two commissions’ evaluations and recommendations, according to the release. The city gave no date for them.
What it means for you
- Nothing changes yet. The city has set no e-bike speed limit or ban on its trails.
- To have a say, watch the Parks and Recreation Commission and Transportation Commission agendas on the city website. Questions go to Parks and Recreation at 901-757-7376.
- Where the trails run: our Germantown walking and biking trails guide lists the Greenway trailheads and current closures, and our parks and trails page covers each park.
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