Clarification aims to address public confusion over electric mobility devices
Reader spots typo on replacement signs
Ordinance doesn’t ban having bikes at Trailhead
MANDEVILLE — A Tammany Trace official says street-legal electric mobility devices remain permitted on the Tammany Trace, despite confusion stemming from two different sets of signs that govern two separate areas.
David Williams, a park ranger with the Tammany Trace, told Mandeville Daily that Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 electric bicycles, along with street-legal electric scooters, electric skateboards and electric inline skates, are all permitted on the Tammany Trace.
Williams said much of the confusion centers on longstanding Tammany Trace signs that simply read “No Motor Vehicles.” Those signs have been posted along the Trace for years and, according to Williams, were intended to prohibit internal combustion engine vehicles — not modern street-legal electric mobility devices.
Williams indicated he has heard from locals who are confused with four new signs recently installed by the City of Mandeville at the four corners of the Mandeville Trailhead. Those city signs — two of which were erected along the Tammany Trace bike path — govern activity within the Trailhead facilities and do not apply to the Tammany Trace itself, even though the recreational trail passes through the area.
Earlier this week, the city revised those new Trailhead signs after an initial version incorrectly stated that only electric bicycles were prohibited. The updated signs now reflect Ordinance 26-23, adopted by the Mandeville City Council in early June, by stating that all bicycles are prohibited within the Trailhead facilities. Officials also updated the older, existing signage within the Trailhead facilities as well.
While some social media commenters have questioned whether the new signs mean bicycles cannot even be present at the Trailhead, city officials have consistently emphasized that the ordinance — not the signage — determines what is legal or illegal. Signs are intended to summarize the rules in limited space and cannot reproduce the full text of the municipal code. As shown in Ordinance 26-23, the prohibition is against the use of bicycles and electric bicycles on Trailhead property, not merely their presence. The ordinance itself remains the controlling legal authority.
An observant Mandeville Daily reader also noticed that the replacement signs contain a minor typographical error, instructing visitors to “follow and follow the rules listed below.” The wording appears to be an oversight and does not affect the posted regulations. If corrected, the revised signs would become the city’s second replacement of the four Trailhead signs since they were first installed.
The Trailhead facilities include areas such as the pavilion, splash pad area, stage and surrounding pedestrian spaces. The ordinance applies only within those facilities and does not regulate use of the Tammany Trace.
Williams said riders may continue using the Tammany Trace with street-legal Class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes, as well as other street-legal electric mobility devices such as electric scooters, electric skateboards and electric inline skates.
The distinction between the Trailhead facilities and the Tammany Trace has led to questions from residents because the two areas intersect but are governed by different rules. The City of Mandeville regulates activities within the Trailhead facilities, while the Tammany Trace continues to permit street-legal electric mobility devices under its existing policies.
Within the City of Mandeville, the Mandeville Police Department retains authority to enforce Louisiana laws governing whether a vehicle is street-legal and whether its operator is legally permitted to use it on public roadways.
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Editor’s Note: This story was updated to reflect the discovery of a typographical error in signage at the Trailhead, as well as clarifying what Ordinance 26-23 specified for signage changes.
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