BLM Accepting Comments on E Bike Use on Public Trails but only thru June 9th

[AbleGuy]

BLM SEEKS PUBLIC COMMENT ON PROPOSED E-BIKE TRAILS REGULATIONS

BLM seeks public comment on proposed e-bike regulations | Bureau of Land Management

www.blm.gov

While USFS is not currently reviewing its e-bikes policy, the BLM is now actively in a review process.

Comments or concerns regarding e-bike use on BLM lands can be submitted through June 9

E-bike management on public trails has been a somewhat controversial subject. The BLM now is fully reviewing that proposed use and the public comment period will close shortly before the agency makes any final decision.

Their decision will of course also impact other trail users such as hikers, runners, horse back riders and human-powered mountain bikers. If you are an e-bike owner, you may want to speak up now, while you still can.

To be fair, I have also cross posted this on the human power biking section of this forum.


General Website

Home | Bureau of Land Management

www.blm.gov

Misc Info on E-Bikes

e-bikes - Bureau of Land Management Search Results

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[MTVR]

I see no point in allowing e-mopeds on bicycle trails...

 

[Oscar Mike Gulf Yankee]

I see no point in allowing e-mopeds on bicycle trails...

Kinda old, but anyway....

My understanding is an E Moped is in a motorcycle class over 1hp (750watts), I would agree a motorcycle shouldn't be in traffic with bicycles.
I was a nationally ranked bicycle road racer, nothing ticked me more than the motorcycle escort dude getting in my way.

Now I'm an old phart, can't pedal like I use to and need an E Bike for assistance. If there are specific bicycle trails, I don't see why "my bike" with a hub motor can't assist my pedaling. In fact, now that I think about it, I could probably hang my "Disabled Parking Tag" on a bike and take it anywhere, pulling rank under the ADA regs.
The link provided above took me to the BLM site but that topic was long past, I did find some current info saying it was up to local managers to assess the use of the E Bike (that's classes 1,2 and 3 all under 750 watts).
Now, if a trail is, let's say "competitive" or "difficult" requiring jumps, etc. I wouldn't be on that trail regardless of the scenery, but if it's a scenic ride I could get an attitude about being excluded.

I'm still researching E bikes, haven't bought one yet, probably will, seems like a good thing to carry on the pontoon boat because in most areas, all the good bars are not in walking distance of the dock.

Getting out to BLM, or any other open camping area, I can't hike that 5 miles (even 1) to explore an area. Can't always take my motorcycle so an E bike seems like a solution. Besides, my dog can walk or run along side the bike.

Open to opinions, suggestions, attempts to influence or discourage on this topic of access.

 

[JayOtheMountains]

Agreed. If you can't pedal,walk or ride a horse you've no business on the trails or fireroads Another excuse to gain weight.

Blatantly stating that anyone who can't do so without assistance shouldn't be on a trail demonstrates a certain level of ignorance and bigotry that I wouldn't want to be associated with. I can't pedal, walk, or ride a horse at the moment (literally); and will not be able to fully do so for about another 7 months. I do have the right to be on those trails and roads, regardless of your opinion. In-fact I encourage people who are disadvantaged or disabled to get out and get those experiences. I've even supported wheeling (and in cases carrying) someone up a peak because they couldn't walk it due to Cerebral palsy. Whether it's used as a mobility device or a recreational aid, an e-bicycle is a game changer for many activities - from errands, to riding a trail, to exploring the roads around your campsite - even for the abled. An e-bike isn't just limited to dis or less-than-abled people.

Now, do they belong on all trails? I personally don't think so. Certainly not in wilderness areas or wilderness impact study areas. Have you been on an e-mountain bike? I have, it's great. No need for a shuttle on long downhill trails. Makes getting out bettereer, and much more fun. I think there are places for them and places that they should be restricted from. Today most land managers and community managers have hashed through the literature and are defining uses based on human-powered, mechanized, and motorized cycling recreation. The best approaches at the moment seem to be layered, with multi-options in various areas and with a ton of consideration to risk factors.

E-bikes are here to stay.

 

[AbleGuy]

“Blatantly stating that anyone who can't do so without assistance shouldn't be on a trail demonstrates a certain level of ignorance and bigotry…”

? Or maybe, sarcasm?
(I took it laughingly that way)

In our 3 month explorations of the northern west this spring, we hiked probably a total of about +/- 120 miles. My aging knees pained me daily, enough to finally admit they’re almost completely shot. Damage from artho surgery 35 years ago has finally caught up to me. But I’m still hoping to put off replacement surgery for a bit.

We both can still pedal our bikes tho and while we may be limited somewhat by not using any assisted power, we’ll not likely go the electric bike route for a while yet. That’s more because of budget (being cheap) and also the greater challenge of carting two heavier E bikes around in our rigs.

Yes, bike use restrictions on some trails would be really nice, but today who thinks to respect others’ needs/rights and who would follow rules like that anymore in this country? IIRC, the USFS already makes a trail use distinction between the more powerful and less powerful bikes. The ones with bigger motors go too fast for many trails and rightly are prohibited, but again, who’s gonna follow rules? Who’s gonna enforce them? Education helps, but not enough.

On several of our hikes, we were greatly startled to be passed way too closely by silent, speeding E bike riders…each time it was an exuberant youth joyfully bombing down the trail. Had either of us made an inattentive misstep as they silently flew by, we would have gotten creamed and likely been seriously injured. Admittedly, after the first near miss I did have fantasies of sticking my hickory hiking staff through the spokes of the next irresponsible motorized two wheel aficionado… but I wound up holding my fire. Discretion over valor and all that…

So we all can predict that the growth of of E bike use in the outdoors is going to continue to present very tough resource management and shared use challenges. I will always want to encourage people to love, enjoy, use, respect, protect and support our great public lands here in the west. While “share the trail” will still remain my mantra, I now recognize that it’s going to be up to me to pay better attention to my surroundings while out and about.

 

[CCH]

I think there is a failure in general to differentiate ebikes. We recently took the plunge and bought some REI Class I ebikes to use as transportation when camping in our trailer. Rest assured, "pedal assist" means exactly that. We went some places we wouldn't have gone otherwise due to steepness, but did not lack for a work out and spent most of our time without the motors engaged. It was a general competition to not engage and if so, to use the lowest power necessary. My wife won.

On the flip side, Class III bikes that have a throttle, no need for pedaling and can go nearly thirty miles an hour are an entirely different thing. They are electric motorcycles/mopeds more than they are bikes. I am very discouraged to see how they are starting to be used for hunting on trails closed to motorized use. IMO, if you can't take a motorcycle on that trail, you shouldn't take one of those.

 

[1000arms]

... On several of our hikes, we were greatly startled to be passed way too closely by silent, speeding E bike riders…each time it was an exuberant youth joyfully bombing down the trail. Had either of us made an inattentive misstep as they silently flew by, we would have gotten creamed and likely been seriously injured. ...

... I will always want to encourage people to love, enjoy, use, respect, protect and support our great public lands here in the west. While “share the trail” will still remain my mantra, I now recognize that it’s going to be up to me to pay better attention to my surroundings while out and about.

... Perhaps a walking stick in one hand and a frying pan in your other hand? Just make sure to allow your frying pan hand to dart about and express your quiet joy about being in nature! ...

 

[chet6.7]

The permanent condition of my knees has forced me from a mtn. bike to a low powered fat tired E bike, I should be able to ride the same trails I did before age and injuries limited my mobility.

 

[JaSAn]

. . . I should be able to ride the same trails I did before age and injuries limited my mobility.

Is this where we want to redraw the line?
'Anything I could do when young and healthy I should be allowed to do in the same place with motor assistance.'

 

[OverlandNA]

Is this where we want to redraw the line?
'Anything I could do when young and healthy I should be allowed to do in the same place with motor assistance.'

The ADA redrew the line.

Redirecting…

Redirecting…

Other power-driven mobility device means any mobility device powered by batteries, fuel, or other engines – whether or not designed primarily for use by individuals with mobility disabilities – that is used by individuals with mobility disabilities for the purpose of locomotion, including golf cars, electronic personal assistance mobility devices (EPAMDs), such as the Segway® PT, or any mobility device designed to operate in areas without defined pedestrian routes, but that is not a wheelchair within the meaning of this section. This definition does not apply to Federal wilderness areas; wheelchairs in such areas are defined in section 508(c)(2) of the ADA, 42 U.S.C. 12207(c)(2).

 

[Broncogearhead]

My wife used to love mountain biking. She developed heart failure after a long battle with covid and has not had the endurance to ride much anymore. I have been thinking of getting her an E bike so she can ride again. If the type of trails she used to love to ride will become open to E bikes, it would make her very happy.

 

[JaSAn]

The ADA redrew the line.

Then why is this even open for comment?

 

[OverlandNA]

For the able bodied people.

 

[billiebob]

Is this where we want to redraw the line?
'Anything I could do when young and healthy I should be allowed to do in the same place with motor assistance.'

yes, you nailed it...... age, handicap, injury should not exclude anyone from accessing public land.
Altho I see your sarcasm.

 

[Oscar Mike Gulf Yankee]

I suppose those who think any motorized contraption shouldn't be on a trail are those who have not yet met the limitations of age and maturity.

I can see the issue with a 14 year old riding an e bike like a bat out of h*ll, in fact, I got several speeding tickets on my bike as a teen. Cops didn't like me drafting behind a semi going through town either. Perhaps E bike riders over 65 could get a silver pass for some trails, I'm all for age discrimination when it's beneficial.

For those who have a couple hundred bucks and a bike, check this out: Making a super cheap electric bike (for $182) - YouTube

Was there some suggestion made above for my rights to be limited due to physical impairments? Say it ain't so, not in American.