Lakewood Case Advisory Board Meeting - June 3, 2026: Rules and Shared Use Path Code Amendments

The Case Advisory Board held its third meeting (second quarter) on June 3, 2026, at 6:04 p.m. The meeting focused on finalizing board rules and regulations and discussing proposed amendments to the shared use path code, including definitions for mobility devices, e-bikes, and e-motos. Public comment was heard on the code amendments. The board deferred final decisions on both items to the next meeting.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the minutes of the February 24, 2026 meeting with two corrections: (1) clarifying that existing code already excludes assistive devices from the definition of mobility device (not recommending additional language), and (2) specifying that comments about not prohibiting devices were in reference to e-bikes and e-scooters, not all devices. The amendment was approved by voice vote with abstentions from those absent.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Robbie Organ (14513 Bayes): Recommended adopting ORC’s three-class e-bike system to allow class one e-bikes on shared use paths while banning class two/three and e-motos. Opposed weight limits (e.g., 100 lbs) as they would exclude cargo bikes. Supported separating infrastructure definitions (bike lanes vs. paths). Also noted that 10 a.m. Tuesday meetings limit public attendance.
• Cassie Organ (14513 Bayes): Echoed weight limit concerns, citing her class one cargo bike. Urged not classifying park paths as sidewalks because there is no alternative route. Pointed out that a proposed definition (Section 373.101) would ban adults from operating mobility devices on bikeways, which is confusing.
• Molnaro (14200 Leroy Avenue): Supported streamlining e-bike use on multi-use paths and emphasized that children should also be subject to rules for safety.

Discussion Items

• Board Rules & Regulations: Members discussed amendments to the draft rules. Key points: (1) Changing “chairman” to “chairperson” in the charter; (2) Adjusting the 14.5-day agenda deadline to allow flexibility for adding items closer to meetings; (3) Allowing the chair or a majority to set special meetings and subcommittees. The board agreed to have Mr. McCourt submit proposed language and to bring a revised version to the next meeting. The regular meeting time was set to the first Tuesday of each quarter at 10 a.m., with flexibility for holidays.
• Shared Use Path Code Amendments: Director Boss presented a detailed overview of needed definitions. Topics included:
  • Mobility device vs. low-speed micromobility device: The board leaned toward adopting the ORC low-speed micromobility device definition (with a qualifying statement including but not limited to e-unicycles and e-skateboards), and clarifying that it excludes assisted devices for persons with disabilities (preferring “person with a disability” language).
  • E-bike definitions: Debate centered on whether to adopt ORC’s three-class system (class 1,2,3) or a single blanket definition. Some members argued class 3 should be prohibited on shared use paths due to speed (28 mph), while others favored regulating operator behavior (speed limits) rather than device classes. The board did not reach consensus and will continue discussion.
  • E-moto definition: General support for creating a local definition for devices exceeding 750 watts or 28 mph (e-motorcycles/dirt bikes) to enable enforcement and licensing requirements.
  • Infrastructure definitions: Discussion of “bikeway,” “shared use path,” and “bike lane.” The board considered distinguishing between park paths (narrow, non-delineated) and transportation-oriented shared use paths (10-11 ft wide, delineated). The timeline for new paths (Metro Parks connector, Lake-Clifton, Bunts) extends to 2027, so no immediate urgency.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes: Approved with corrections.
• Rules & Regulations: Deferred to next meeting; Mr. McCourt to propose language for special meetings and subcommittees; regular meeting time set to first Tuesday of quarter at 10 a.m.
• Shared Use Path Code Amendments: Deferred to next meeting. The board will continue to refine definitions for mobility devices, e-bikes, and e-motos, and consider input from public comments. No votes were taken on the amendments.