As the leaves change color and fall begins its descent upon Maple Grove, the local police department is gearing up for a season of safe riding along the community’s trails. With a gentle nudge towards caution, the Maple Grove Police Department took to social media to remind residents and visitors that while the warm buzz of summer may be fading, the rules of the road — or trail, in this case — do not. "Summer may be ending, but your ride doesn’t have to!" the department posted on their official Facebook page, as they encouraged everyone to "Ride responsibly" and "Follow trail, sidewalk and street rules".
The emphasis is not just on traditional pedal bikes but extends to the ever-growing popularity of e-bikes and motorized scooters, which have become a common sight weaving through the green patches of Maple Grove. In their campaign for conscientious riding, the department also shared links for those looking to brush up on their legal know-how concerning these trendy vehicles. The Maple Grove Police Department's social media post neatly packages the statutes that riders should be familiar with, like MN Statute 169.222 for e-bikes and MN Statute 169.225 for motorized scooters. A reminder is also in place that motorized bicycles are a no-go on sidewalks and trails, referencing MN Statute 169.974.
It's a wise move on the police department's part as Maple Grove trails likely see an uptick in traffic during the pleasant autumn months. Students are cruising into the school year, and families are out enjoying the mild weather before winter rears its frosty head. The gentle push for safety is, therefore, timely and potentially vital in preventing accidents that can mar the enjoyment of the town's public spaces.
For those eager to stay both informed and in compliance, or for any newcomers to the personal mobility device scene, a visit to maplegrovemn.gov/parksafety holds all the cards necessary to keep your ride legal and your autumn incident-free. After all, everyone appreciates the freedom of two wheels (or more), but nobody enjoys a ticket, or worse, a collision with another trail lover enjoying the crisp fall air.
