Carmel residents urge shared-trail rules, propose speed limits for e-assisted devices
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Summary
Two residents—one a 15-year-old rider and his father—told the council they support allowing electric-assisted mobility devices on city trails but urged enforceable speed limits and shared-use etiquette to protect pedestrians.
Two Carmel residents spoke during public comment on July 7 urging the city to allow electric-assisted mobility devices—e-bikes, e-longboards and similar vehicles—on trails with clearer rules and speed limits to protect pedestrians.
Fifteen-year-old Sameer Myers told the council he owns a longboard and asked for a focus on pedestrian safety and clear rules to address riders who travel too fast. “I push for the reasoning of a speed limit because I think that instead of banning all of the electric devices, it's better to use a speed limit,” Sameer said.
His father, Andrew (Andy) Myers, said e-assisted devices increase his son’s independence and reduce car trips and urged the council to permit “all forms of e-assisted mobility devices” with reasonable posted limits and enforcement. “A reasonable solution ... is the speed limit idea,” Andrew Myers said, adding that enforcement and signage would be important.
Speakers framed the issue as one of shared responsibility: riders should give audible warnings when passing, and pedestrians should remain aware of oncoming users, they said. No council action was taken; the comments were recorded during the blue-card public-comment period.