Stevensville council puts the brakes on bikes in Lewis & Clark Park
Updated: Oct 8
Police chief to return Oct. 8 with rules on where riding is allowed
STEVENSVILLE — September 24, 2026 — The Stevensville Town Council voted 3-0 to ban bicycle riding in Lewis & Clark Park after Police Chief John Boe reported playground damage and complaints about reckless riders. Boe is expected to bring a resolution defining where bikes will be allowed to the council's Oct. 8 meeting.
Councilmembers Melissa Bailey, Karen Wandler and Wallace Smith approved the measure. Mayor James Crews and Councilmember Talon Ross had excused absences.
Boe told the council reckless riding has been a problem for the past 2 summers. He presented photos of skid marks and damage at the splash pad, the Cub Cave and Bear Mountain playgrounds, and the pickleball courts. His agenda request said several parents had complained about bike safety in the park and skate park.
On a busy summer day, he said, about 100 people use the park and 7 to 12 bikes gather near the skate park. He described riders cutting through playgrounds and jumping the elevated swing platform, and he cited bullying complaints involving older juveniles on bikes.
His proposal would let riders use the parking areas to reach 2 bike racks, by the pool and the Cub Cave. "No bikes" signs would go up about every 20 feet from the restrooms to the Cub Cave.
During public comment, Autumn Barrett suggested the resolution be written around designated riding areas. She noted that families use the park's lawn to teach children to ride.
Comments