City Council Discusses Concerns About E-Bikes and Off-Road Vehicles in Town and the Park

By Ella Aguilar

Palmyra — At its June 4 meeting, the Palmyra City Council reviewed public-safety concerns and operational updates across city departments. It set the next steps for policy work on recreational vehicles and park use.

Third Ward Council member Rex Thomas raised growing concerns about the use of e-bikes, golf cars, and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) inside city limits and, in particular, in Flower City Park.

Director of Parks & Recreation Doug Meyers said the number of such vehicles being seen is rising weekly. The council agreed to return the issue to the agenda for further discussion so that clear park policies can be adopted.

Police enforcement options were discussed. Council members suggested Police Chief Michael Baker begin stricter enforcement actions for underage or unsafe operation, including stopping underage riders, notifying parents, and, for repeat offenders, escalating penalties that could include impoundment of e-bikes.

Chief Baker previously posted on Facebook on March 19 about golf carts and UTVs, referencing city ordinances governing off-road and utility vehicles. Ordinance 340.115 generally prohibits ATVs on city streets except for limited official or agricultural/industry on-premise uses during daylight. Exceptions require a valid driver’s orchauffeur’s license, a maximum speed of 30 mph or less,a rear bicycle safety flag at least 7 feet high, and nopassengers except for agricultural use. Violations are Class C misdemeanors.

Ordinance 340.118 defines utility vehicles as motorized off-highway vehicles 63 inches or less in width and 1,850 pounds or less. Operation on public streets and alleys requires a license, proof of liability insurance, seatbelts if equipped, a maximum speed of 30 mph (or lower where posted), and a slow-moving vehicle emblem. Violations carry fines up to $225 upon conviction.

Council members also noted Missouri’s e-bike classifications: Class 1 — pedal-assist up to 20 mph; Class2 — pedal-assist or throttle up to 20 mph; and Class 3 —pedal-assist up to 28 mph. There is no age minimum for Classes 1 and 2; Class 3 riders must be at least 16 years old.

The council emphasized the need to balance recreational use with public safety, particularly on park walking paths and pedestrian areas. Chief Baker and city staff will work with council members to ensure ordinances and enforcement tools are applied consistently as use of these vehicles increases.

Other business at the meeting included scheduling a Zoom session on June 5 to set up a new phone system and receiving updates on a recent town-hall meeting and the Patio at Flower City.

The Street Department Superintendent reported that yard-waste pickup took place on June 1; the next pickup is scheduled for July 6. Summer employees are mowing, weed-eating, and spraying. Crews are patching utility cuts, removing and replacing bad asphalt, and addressing settled utility cuts; once asphalt work is caught up, they will start on a concrete list.

The Police Department welcomed a second Canton officer on June 1; the goal is to have both officers trained by the end of June. The department conducted active-threat training at the elementary school and plans another session before an eight-hour course in July with the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The Blue Shield Grant closed May 31; the city expects to learn award amounts this month.

The Water and Wastewater Department reported installation of a fire hydrant on S. Dickerson Street and completion of a water-line repair at the wastewater plant.

The council will revisit rules for e-bikes, golf cars, and UTVs at a future meeting, focusing on clear policies forums on Flower City Park walking paths and appropriate enforcement measures.