A viewer of mine saw my instagram post from last week where i talked about getting kicked out of my local park for having an ebike in the parking lot. It got a lot of views on Intsa and Facebook. He wrote something because of an experience he had in his area and allowed me to share it. I think its a good argument for how to sway people to get on ebikers side when it comes to cities and towns going overboard by banning ALL ebike when a more nuanced approach is called for. Please share this with other ebikers.
A Common-Sense Proposal for Safe and Fair Access to Public Bike Trails
Electric bicycles have opened the outdoors to thousands of older adults who might otherwise be unable to enjoy traditional cycling because of hills, reduced stamina, joint limitations, or normal changes that come with aging.
At the same time, communities have legitimate concerns about excessive speed, reckless riding, and powerful electric vehicles being operated irresponsibly on shared trails.
The answer should be better enforcement of unsafe behavior—not blanket bans on responsible e-bike riders.
Our Principles
1. Responsible E-Bike Riders Deserve Trail Access
Legal Class 1 and Class 2 electric bicycles should generally be permitted on paved bicycle and multi-use trails when operated responsibly and within posted speed limits.
2. Enforce Speed—Not the Power Source
A cyclist traveling dangerously fast creates a hazard whether the bicycle is electric or conventional. Trail speed limits should apply equally and be actively enforced.
3. Punish Reckless Riding
Communities should cite riders who:
- Exceed posted trail speeds.
- Pass pedestrians or cyclists unsafely.
- Weave through crowded areas.
- Perform wheelies or stunts around other trail users.
- Fail to yield to pedestrians.
- Operate high-powered electric motorcycles on trails designated for bicycles.
Punish reckless riding—not responsible riders.
4. Do Not Treat E-Bikes and Electric Motorcycles as the Same Thing
A legal pedal-assist bicycle ridden at 10–15 mph is fundamentally different from a high-powered electric motorcycle capable of substantially greater speeds. Regulations should recognize that distinction.
5. Protect Mobility for Older Adults
For many seniors, electric assistance is what makes bicycling possible. E-bikes provide exercise, recreation, independence, social activity, and access to parks and nature.
Public policy should encourage older adults to remain active—not unnecessarily remove an activity they can safely enjoy.
6. Consider Safety Education Instead of Prohibition
Communities could establish an e-bike trail safety program or voluntary certification covering:
- Trail speed limits.
- Safe passing.
- Pedestrian right-of-way.
- Proper use of bells or verbal warnings.
- Riding etiquette.
- E-bike classifications and trail restrictions.
Responsible riders who demonstrate knowledge of trail rules should be encouraged—not penalized because of the misconduct of others.
7. Focus Youth Regulations Where the Problem Exists
If accident statistics demonstrate that inexperienced or underage riders are creating a disproportionate number of dangerous incidents, communities should consider age-appropriate safety rules, education, parental responsibility, and enforcement rather than banning responsible adult riders.
8. Include Senior Riders When New Rules Are Written
Before adopting an e-bike trail ban, cities, counties, and park agencies should consult:
- Senior cyclists.
- Bicycle organizations.
- Pedestrian advocates.
- Disability and mobility advocates.
- Law enforcement.
- Parks and recreation officials.
People who actually use the trails should have a voice in regulations governing them.
The Policy We Support
Allow responsible riders to continue using legal e-bikes on public bicycle trails while aggressively enforcing reasonable speed limits and dangerous-riding laws.
A responsible 71-year-old riding an e-bike peacefully at 12 mph should not lose access to a community trail because another rider chose to behave recklessly.
Safety and access do not have to be competing goals.
Our Message to Community Leaders
Keep our trails safe.
Enforce the rules.
Keep electric motorcycles off bicycle trails.
Protect pedestrians.
And please do not punish thousands of safe, responsible e-bike riders for the actions of a reckless minority.
PUNISH RECKLESS RIDING — NOT RESPONSIBLE RIDERS
