Notice of Community Forum: Trespassing and unauthorized e-bike use on WCID property

NOTICE OF COMMUNITY FORUM
TRESPASSING AND UNAUTHORIZED E-BIKE USE ON WCID PROPERTY

March 9, 2026                 6:00 PM               Belterra Centre

Belterra Neighbors:

As you are likely aware, Hays County Water Control and Improvement District No. 1 and Hays County Water Control and Improvement District No. 2 (the “Districts”) provide utility facilities and services for the Belterra community, including water, wastewater, drainage, and solid waste disposal services, along with park, trail and other recreational facilities. The Districts also contract with the Hays County Sheriff’s Office to provide additional law enforcement patrol services within Belterra.

Over the last several months, the Sheriff’s Office and the Districts have received a number of questions and reports concerning trespassing on District-owned property, specifically involving the unauthorized use of e-bikes on District property. These reports include repeated incidents of unauthorized entry onto District-owned irrigation fields, water quality facilities and open space areas, some of which have resulted in property damage and theft, as well as “near miss” incidents involving e-bike operators and pedestrians on trails and sidewalks in Belterra.

The Districts will host the Hays County Sheriff’s Office for a community forum on Monday, March 9th at 6:00 p.m. at the Belterra Centre, 151 Trinity Hills Drive, Austin, Texas 78737. Representatives from the Sheriff’s Office will review the issues outlined below, discuss applicable laws and enforcement procedures, and answer questions from residents. We strongly encourage residents and parents to attend.

The Districts’ utility areas, water quality facilities, irrigation fields and greenbelts are not designed or intended for vehicular use. These areas may contain uneven terrain, concealed hazards, mechanical equipment, underground infrastructure and contractor personnel performing operational activities, each of which may pose serious risks of injury or death to unauthorized persons. Trespassing and the unauthorized use of e-bikes on District-owned property increase the likelihood of injury and resulting litigation, whether meritorious or not, and may result in higher insurance premiums for the Districts, the costs of which are ultimately borne by all Belterra residents.

Furthermore, the Districts are political subdivisions of the State of Texas that own and operate property for public utility purposes using taxpayer and ratepayer funds. Like any other political subdivision or utility, the Districts have an obligation to safeguard and protect their utility facilities and the areas surrounding them. The Districts have legal authority to regulate privileges on District property and to prohibit public access to District property. For these reasons, the District has adopted rules and regulations that prevent the use of e-bikes on District-owned property, with the sole exception of operation on decomposed granite trails during daytime hours at a maximum speed of 10 miles per hour.

While previously emphasizing education over enforcement, the Sherriff’s Office has informed the Districts that deputies will begin identifying and charging individuals found trespassing on or causing damage to District property, or otherwise violating applicable laws. The Districts will report incidents and damage to the Sheriff’s Office moving forward, and residents who witness such activities may report them to the Sheriff’s Office as well. We understand that the Sheriff’s Office intends to focus on enforcement of the following:

• E-motorcycles (vehicles without pedals) may only be operated by licensed operators over the age of 16 on public roads and with proper safety equipment;
• E-bikes (vehicles with pedals) must comply with all applicable traffic laws and safety requirements;
• Criminal Trespass – Texas Penal Code § 30.05 (generally a Class B misdemeanor);
• Criminal Mischief – Texas Penal Code § 28.03 (ranging from a Class C misdemeanor to a felony, depending on the amount of damage);
• Damage to Public Utility Property – Texas Water Code § 49.228 (Class B misdemeanor); and
• Operation of Certain Motor Vehicles on or Near Public Facilities – Texas Water Code § 49.217 (Class C misdemeanor, with enhanced penalties for repeat offenses).

In addition, the Districts have and expressly reserve the right to pursue civil action against any individual—and, where legally permitted, their parents or guardians—for fines related to violations of the Districts’ rules and regulations, property damage, repair costs, attorneys’ fees and related expenses.

We respectfully urge parents and guardians to speak with their family members about these issues. What may appear to be harmless recreation, or a convenient shortcut, may present serious safety risks and carry significant consequences. Although the Districts intend to cooperate with the enforcement and prosecution efforts of the Sheriff’s Office to protect their interests and promote public safety, we sincerely hope these issues will be resolved through increased awareness and community cooperation.