The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors took a firm stand this week to protect our local parks and trails. On Tuesday, May 12, the Board unanimously approved new rules to manage the growing use of high-speed e-bikes, motorized bikes, and illegal trail building.
These changes go into effect in 30 days. Violators could face either an infraction or a misdemeanor.
Why the Changes?
Regional Parks officials say they’ve seen a big jump in the use of high-speed Class 3 e-bikes, e-motorcycles, and dirt bikes. These vehicles move much faster than traditional bikes, creating dangerous conditions for families, hikers, and horseback riders.
Data from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission shows that injuries involving “micromobility” devices (like e-bikes and scooters) have risen by about 23% every year since 2017. Surprisingly, children aged 14 and under account for over a third of those injuries.
Protecting Nature and Public Safety
The new rules also target unauthorized “off-road” courses. Lately, some park visitors have been digging up protected areas—especially along the American River Parkway—to build jumps and tracks with blind turns.
Because these illegal tracks are often built on trails meant only for walking or horses, they create a serious risk of collisions. The new ordinance gives Park Rangers more power to stop this “trail-blazing” and even allows the County to seek payment from offenders to repair the environmental damage.
Golf Courses and Sports Complexes
The update also clarifies that people cannot be on County golf courses or sports fields unless they are actually there to play. This is intended to keep people safe from flying golf balls and to protect the expensive turf from bike tire damage.
A Balance of Fun and Safety
“These updates will allow Rangers to better educate visitors about appropriate park use,” said Regional Parks Director Liz Bellas. The goal, she noted, is to balance outdoor fun with the need to take care of our community’s natural resources.
For residents in Rio Linda and across the county, these measures are designed to ensure that a trip to the park remains a safe, high-quality experience for everyone.
Post Views: 0
