The Woodlands Township Board of Directors approved sending letters on June 25 to a number of school districts and municipalities in Montgomery County as part of a new initiative to create education surrounding the use of e-bike and e-scooters on roads and pathways across the township.

The details

Following extended discussion surrounding the potential benefits and concerns of allowing e-bikes and similar micromobility devices on The Woodlands pathway system by the township on June 19, the board approved language to be sent to local entities in an joint letter from all board members.

According to Intergovernmental Relations Director Todd Stephens, the letters would be sent to:

• Montgomery County Commissioners Court
• Harris County Commissioners Court
• Cities of Conroe, Oak Ridge North and Shenandoah
• Conroe ISD
• Magnolia ISD
• Tomball ISD
• All private and charter schools in The Woodlands

"I think it's good to cast a big net when we're doing something like this, and learn from others who might have already been thinking about it or doing things about it," board member Shelley Sekula-Gibbs said.

How we got here

A study regarding the use and safety of e-bikes and scooters in The Woodlands was completed by Halff Associates and presented to the township board of directors on June 19, as previously reported by Community Impact.

Due to the growing use of e-bikes in The Woodlands, the primary recommendation presented by Halff Associates was to begin allowing the vehicles on township pathways while engaging in a comprehensive education and outreach program regarding e-bike usage and safety measures such as wearing helmets and obeying speed limits. Nunes said the township will need to invest in community education efforts, especially within local schools, whether the board ultimately decides to allow certain electric micromobility devices, or EMDs, or not.