AUSTIN (June 29, 2018)— The City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) has recently seen an increase in the use of motorized scooters and electric bicycles on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, as well as other parkland.

In preparation for the busy Fourth of July holiday period, the Department would like to remind the public that the use of any motorized vehicles on the hike and bike trails around Lady Bird Lake, or public recreational area is prohibited per Austin City Code 8-1-31.  The City Code “prohibits motor vehicle(s) and all motor driven devise(s) from being driven on public recreational areas other than a public roadway or in a parking area of a public recreation area.”

A “public recreation area” is defined as: “a park, recreational facility, athletic field, building, swimming pool, playground, nature preserve, trail, dock, or greenbelt managed, maintained, or operated by the Parks and Recreation Department or on the Department’s behalf,” according to City Code 8-1-1(11).

Exceptions to this rule are individual segways (not groups or tours), motorized wheelchairs for ADA accessibility, and an area designated for off-road bike use (presently, this only includes the Emma Long Metro Park Motorcycle Trails).

If you have any questions, or an interview request, please call Shelley Parks at 512-974-6731.