Alongside other Blaine County municipalities, the city of Sun Valley is working to address increased safety concerns caused by e-bikes—specifically “Class 4” e-bikes not covered as part of the three currently-regulated and defined classes of e-bikes.
Those “Class 4” bikes are capable of speeds over 30 mph, operate in excess of 750 watts and, under federal definitions, “are technically motorized vehicles subject to motorized vehicle laws,” said Sun Valley city attorney Matt Johnson at the Sun Valley City Council’s Thursday meeting.
“We’ve actually got a pretty good code,” said Sun Valley City Administrator Jim Keating, particularly regarding the existing 20-mph limit and 750-watt restriction on multi-use bike paths.
“We want to look for things to help tighten up around the Class 4 bikes and help law enforcement in terms of identifiable features so they can potentially enforce this and educate more effectively,” Keating said.
The council agreed to keep the 20-mph speed limit on bike paths and talked about following Ketchum and Hailey’s lead in mandating that kids of a certain age wear helmets.
Councilwoman Michelle Griffith expressed concerns about unlicensed young people operating the Class 4 bikes on roadways.
The council members debated whether certain e-bike violations should be increased to misdemeanors or remain $100 infractions.
The council members disagreed on whether registering e-bikes would help better identify the higher-speed bikes or create a headache for visitors, but they agreed that better bike identification was a key part of the issue.
They also agreed more signage and educational outreach efforts should be part of the city’s approach.
Councilman Keith Saks urged increased police enforcement on bike paths.
“I do believe that with more enforcement, word will get around and limit the unsafe use of bikes on our trail system,” he said.
The topic is of high interest not just locally but across the state and country, Keating said. He also pointed to collaboration he said is happening between Sun Valley and other cities as well as the Blaine County Recreation District.
Saks and Councilman Mike Burchmore agreed to draft potential code changes and bring them back to the council.
Row of Champions
The council at its Thursday meeting also discussed new parameters for just whose statue belongs in the Row of Champions in the city-owned Champions Meadow, formerly Festival Meadow.
The Row of Champions includes the statues of famous Blaine County winter sports athletes like three-time Paralympian Muffy Davis and Olympic gold medalist Picabo Street.
Griffith said she felt the city should have more say in who gets a statue as opposed to what she described as a current self-appointed committee anointing honorees.
The council agreed “champion” should mean a gold medal, though they did not decide whether competitions outside the Olympics qualified. The council members also discussed evaluating an honoree’s contributions to the local community.
They agreed all genders should be honored and debated whether all sports should be included. Currently only winter athletes are honored.
Griffith said there is a need for parameters on statue height and a way to ensure that the statue was the dominant feature as opposed to a very large rock base.
Ultimately, any new sculpture comes before the council for approval, Saks emphasized. Griffith said it is helpful for people to have the guidelines ahead of time.
The council members also discussed moving the existing sculptures to create a better formation.
Griffith agreed to return to the council with a draft of new guidelines. 
