CARMEL, Ind. (WRTV) — Carmel city leaders are considering stricter regulations for bicycles and electric motorcycles on the Monon Greenway following a wave of complaints from trail users. The proposed changes would expand on a city ordinance passed last year.
Local officials said the goal is to protect pedestrians from high-speed electric bikes and motorized vehicles.
“As a community, we are really interested in the safety of our residents,” said City Councilor Anita Joshi, a Democrat who represents the West District. “We want to be proactive, not reactive. We want to not wait until a tragedy happens before we put rules that can keep our citizens safe.”
Carmel police said while the 2023 ordinance helped, evolving technology has brought more “e-motos”—electric motorcycles that exceed 20 mph—to the trail, creating hazards for walkers. Councilors and police are now discussing a plan to require those higher-speed vehicles to use the street while allowing e-bikes and traditional bicycles to remain on the trail.
“With the possibility of pushing those e-motos off of the pathways and trails and onto the streets, then they’re subject to state code as far as that, and with that we can use Indiana code to enforce that,” Carmel Police Chief Drake Sterling said.
Under Indiana law, a 15-year-old can legally ride a motorized bicycle or moped with an ID or learner’s permit. Riders under 18 must wear a helmet.
City leaders are also targeting speeding regardless of the vehicle type. One proposal would require riders to dismount and walk their bikes on the Monon Trail at Main Street during peak hours. Officials are still finalizing the boundaries of the mandatory walking zone.
“I think it’s important that we have a transition zone from a space where you’re biking to a space where you’re walking,” Joshi said. “It’s a very high-traffic zone, so it makes perfect sense to have it right on Main Street where we see the most amount of traffic both vehicular and pedestrian.”
The current ordinance already bans stunt riding, wheelies, racing, and jumping curbs. However, the council is discussing increasing fines to $250 for the first and second offenses. Subsequent violations could reach $500 and eventually $2,500. Police said higher fines will assist with enforcement.
“I want to applaud the council for taking that step to increase that fine. We’re not looking to make money or hammer people, but we do need a fine that’s appropriate for the offense and can help curb the behavior,” Sterling said.
The committee will meet to discuss final details Aug. 20 at 6:30 p.m. in Room 201 of the Carmel Clay Library. The meeting is open to the public. If finalized, the recommendations will go to the full City Council on Sept. 21.