As more and more people utilize trails for recreational purposes and even commuting, local jurisdictions are looking to update their laws and regulations to address congestion and new technologies including electric bikes and scooters.

At the MACo Winter Conference session “Sharing the Trail: Bicycles, Pedestrians, and Now…E-Scooters?!?” attendees had the opportunity to hear from stakeholders on how counties are dealing with shifting user preferences.

Stephen Lafferty, Chief Sustainability Officer, Office of the County Executive, Baltimore County gave an overview of interconnectivity and land use. He stressed that government must focus on all aspects of sustainability.

Miti Figueredo, Deputy Director, M-NCPPC/Montgomery Parks described Montgomery County’s e-bike and e-scooter study that began in June of 2019.

Jon Korin, Chair, Anne Arundel County Bicycle Advisory Commission and President, Bicycle Advocates for Annapolis and Anne Arundel County presented statistics regarding trail use in Anne Arundel County

The panel was moderated by St. Mary’s County Commissioner President Randy Guy.

The 2019 MACo Winter Conference, “Building for the Future,” was held on December 4-6, 2019, at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Hotel in Cambridge, Maryland.