Reports of ugly run-ins on the Tammany Trace have St. Tammany Parish officials tightening their grip on the popular rail-trail. Parish leaders say they have received multiple complaints about reckless e-bike riders harassing other users, including attempts to ram pedestrians and to force cyclists off the trail into ditches and trees. In response, Trace Rangers and law enforcement are boosting patrols and urging parents to keep a closer eye on children and teens. Anyone in immediate danger is asked to call 911, and non-emergency incidents should be reported to the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office at 985-809-8200.
In a July 8 Facebook post, the St. Tammany Parish Government said it had “received numerous reports of irresponsible e-bike riders harassing others” along the Trace and asked residents to report what they see so deputies can follow up. The post reminded parents and guardians that they are responsible for supervising children and teens on the trail and noted that Trace Rangers already patrol the corridor on a routine basis.
What The Trace Is And Who Patrols It
The Tammany Trace is a roughly 31-mile multiuse rail-trail that runs through Covington, Abita Springs, Mandeville, Lacombe and Slidell, and it ranks among the parish’s most heavily used recreation corridors. Parish signage describes Trace Rangers as a steady presence on the route, with duties that include both maintenance and public safety. The trail’s long, shaded stretches, nearby wetlands and small-town trailheads help make it a go-to spot for families, commuters and casual riders alike, according to the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy.
Safety And The Law
Louisiana law already makes it illegal to harass people on bikes. State statute R.S. 32:201 makes it unlawful to harass, taunt or maliciously throw objects at a person riding a bicycle, as listed by Justia. The state’s vehicle code also defines “electric-assisted bicycles” and class rules that generally treat e-bikes as bicycles for traffic purposes, according to the Louisiana Legislature. Together, those rules give deputies and parish officials legal tools to investigate complaints and, when appropriate, pursue penalties.
How Officials Are Responding
Parish officials are asking anyone who witnesses dangerous or aggressive riding to call 911 if there is an immediate threat and to use the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office non-emergency number, 985-809-8200, for other incidents. The parish says Trace Rangers will keep up their regular patrols while deputies follow up on tips. People who capture photos or video of problem behavior are encouraged to share that material with law enforcement, according to the St. Tammany Parish Government.
What Trail Users Can Do
Trail users who feel threatened are advised to put as much distance as they safely can between themselves and the aggressor, call 911, and then, when it is safe, record license plates, take video and note any witnesses. Cycling advocates say preserving that evidence and turning it over to police can help investigators spot patterns and identify suspects. Local post-crash and documentation guidance is laid out by Bike Easy.
Local Context
St. Tammany officials have leaned on social media posts and targeted patrols before when safety concerns pop up on the Trace, from holiday reminders to spikes in troubling behavior. The parish recently pushed out a safety reminder about e-bikes and scooters, and local TV reporting has shown Trace Rangers deployed to the trail in response to other issues, according to WDSU. Together, the pattern suggests parish leaders often reach for a mix of public outreach and visible patrols when problems arise.
Anyone who has witnessed aggressive riding or been injured in an incident on the Trace is urged to preserve photos or video, collect witness names if possible and contact law enforcement. Parish officials say they will continue to follow up on reports while Trace Rangers maintain a visible presence along the corridor.
