I am SO tired of people assuming the goal of all e-bikers is to ride faster than anyone else on the trail. But the attitude and behavior of a few makes it tough for those of us (me) who use an e bike for safe and enjoyable recreation. After a great 30+ years riding thousands of miles on an analog bike, I now use my pedal assist bike to rehab from whatever physical setback/challenge presents itself: torn meniscus, partial knee replacement and soft tissue damage to date. Is it so wrong that I enjoy "physical therapy" outdoors? At 12 mph?
Make trails wider, separate lane for bicycles, no need for regulating more regulatifying regulations. Too many limiting regulations everywhere instead of trying to solve the real problem. Not only on the trail. I know that from any authority standpoint it is always the easiest way - forbid! limit! prohibit! enforce! fine! ........
Solve the real problem, trails are too narrow and there is still a lot of space on the side which is not paved. Make it possible for everybody to travel the way they like, not limit! Step by step, I know it costs some money and "prohibit! enforce! fine!" is free and makes everybody's lives so much better, right?
I have tried e-bikes. Pedal assist and with throttle. You make valid points but are missing some factors. Riding 20 mph on an analog bike for any distance takes fitness. To get to that level you have no choice but to get experience. A very large problem with e bikes is you get to skip all the work along with gaining the experience. Getting experience on how to behave on trails is also missed.
Just last week my wife was talking to her friend about mtn biking. She told her she just likes the super easy trails. Her friends response was to get an e bike. My wife(who is fit and her friend is not) responded that the fitness isn't the problem it's the rocks and roots.
It drives me crazy what e-bikes have done to cycling at a fitness level. If a fit cyclist gets an e bike to get a good workout, they are just going to go MUCH faster.
There are a very few percentage of ebike users that need them for true physical limitations. It started that way. Age or weight is not a limiting factor in cycling. Injury can be rehabed on a normal bike. The granny gear is the imitation of an e bike! I just don't know why everyone feels they need to go so fast and far! Battery disposal makes my heart sad also. I'm an er nurse so I know I'm not objective on accidents. I'll leave that one alone. Thanks for letting me rant. :)
I think there’s a lot of truth in what you’re saying. There isn’t a direct equivalency between someone who buys an e-bike on a whim to get to work and starts riding 20 mph right away, and an experienced cyclist who can ride 20 mph because they’ve spent years building their fitness and skills. The speed may be the same, but people often perceive those riders presence differently.
That’s one reason I think education and awareness need to be a big part of this conversation. Personally, I don’t really care what brought someone to an e-bike in the first place. What matters is that they understand the responsibilities that come with riding one. They need to be aware of how their speed and behavior affect others and how to ride courteously around other trail users.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about the bike. It’s about sharing the trail responsibly and making sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience. Thanks for your thoughtful comment.
Everyone has different levels of fitness and goals. It’s wrong to limit any level of fitness people are trying to obtain. Instead of criticizing the levels of e-bike assistance for fitness. Maybe appreciate that people are out here getting exercise they wouldn’t have without any bikes and enjoying nature and the trails. Everybody starts somewhere. I am an E bike owner for 2 1/2 years and did not bike much before. I currently ride the first 6 miles on my e-bike with no assistance, which is harder than most non e-bikes. I see the biggest issue is speed and I can tell you I get passed on the trails by non e-bikes at least at a rate of 10-1. The issue to me isn’t an e-bike issue. It is a speed issue. Are there more injuries on trails since e-bikes have gotten popular? I would assume so. Probably more riders on the trails since e-bikes were introduced as well. That could increase the injury numbers. Mike you have created some great talking points. Thank you for trying to slow the decision making processes down to get all the facts and explore multiple solutions.
Tom, you have summarized the issue very well. I authored the original regulations used by the GAP years ago. Those were in response to a directive from the Federal Gov looking to determine which recreational trails should be regulated for mobility devices. Since then, I've followed the adjustments to those regs, the adoption of snippets by other groups and government agencies, and the more recent discussions as eBike use has grown.
There is considerable misunderstanding of eBikes, particularly the Classes as defined. In the mix, the machines have come to be the focus of the debate.
I'm particularly pleased with your article since, in many places, it focuses on the lack of education surrounding trail etiquette. With the popularity of eBikes, people are acquiring models and getting onto the trails. They, if not being on a bike for years, have no idea of what's expected. The trails offer a long list of "don'ts" on a sign at the trailhead. This is seldom read, even less understood, and mainly ignored.
I've often commented that there needs to be a concentrated effort by the trail groups and government agencies to begin a program presenting the notion of trail etiquette in a way that people will read, understand, and most of all remember. The project should be statewide, and when you consider the situation in south-western PA, where Ohio and WVa are right next door, and trails are being built that cross those state lines, even multi-state.
A qualified, talented, clever marketing consultant should be involved from the very beginning. This isn't the space to go into details, and this example is outdated, but think of "Smokey the Bear". Who doesn't see him (it), and say to themselves - Only you can prevent forest fires." That's the kind of trail etiquette program that needs to be mounted.
Just as a side note to you, I worked with the original Trail Town Program, know Amy, and have been following your work with the long-distance trail in Ohio.
I'm so glad to see your comment. There seems to be a great deal of focus on the class of e-bike, but the issue is much broader than that. You really hit the nail on the head when you pointed to etiquette and behavior.
Today, many people find themselves on an e-bike with little understanding of trail etiquette, appropriate speed, or how the added power of a motor can affect both their riding ability and the experience of others on the trail. Those are important factors that need to be considered when developing regulations.
I also believe the conversation needs to extend beyond individual cities creating rules on their own. Too often, regulations may be crafted by policymakers who have never ridden a bicycle on a trail and whose understanding comes primarily from what they find online. Now, increasingly, AI-generated information may influence those discussions as well. The reality is far more nuanced and complex than it may appear at first glance.
As you noted, these challenges are very different from those faced in earlier years, and they deserve thoughtful consideration from cyclists, trail users, advocates, and policymakers alike.
I am SO tired of people assuming the goal of all e-bikers is to ride faster than anyone else on the trail. But the attitude and behavior of a few makes it tough for those of us (me) who use an e bike for safe and enjoyable recreation. After a great 30+ years riding thousands of miles on an analog bike, I now use my pedal assist bike to rehab from whatever physical setback/challenge presents itself: torn meniscus, partial knee replacement and soft tissue damage to date. Is it so wrong that I enjoy "physical therapy" outdoors? At 12 mph?
And you are far from alone in what you say and how you feel.
Great infographic on understanding the types and the legality of e-bikes in Florida. https://floridabicycle.substack.com/p/know-the-difference?utm_source=share&utm_medium=android&r=ujc8k
Interesting and promising legislation headed to the governor's desk in Florida. It addresses safety and particularly the rising number of incidents involving e-bikes and youth. https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/regional/florida/e-bike-safety-bill-florida-surge-injuries-governor-desk/67-f66567cd-9b83-448d-8450-a1cdd4b4e5de
Make trails wider, separate lane for bicycles, no need for regulating more regulatifying regulations. Too many limiting regulations everywhere instead of trying to solve the real problem. Not only on the trail. I know that from any authority standpoint it is always the easiest way - forbid! limit! prohibit! enforce! fine! ........
Solve the real problem, trails are too narrow and there is still a lot of space on the side which is not paved. Make it possible for everybody to travel the way they like, not limit! Step by step, I know it costs some money and "prohibit! enforce! fine!" is free and makes everybody's lives so much better, right?
BTW, never owned an electric bike or car.
I have tried e-bikes. Pedal assist and with throttle. You make valid points but are missing some factors. Riding 20 mph on an analog bike for any distance takes fitness. To get to that level you have no choice but to get experience. A very large problem with e bikes is you get to skip all the work along with gaining the experience. Getting experience on how to behave on trails is also missed.
Just last week my wife was talking to her friend about mtn biking. She told her she just likes the super easy trails. Her friends response was to get an e bike. My wife(who is fit and her friend is not) responded that the fitness isn't the problem it's the rocks and roots.
It drives me crazy what e-bikes have done to cycling at a fitness level. If a fit cyclist gets an e bike to get a good workout, they are just going to go MUCH faster.
There are a very few percentage of ebike users that need them for true physical limitations. It started that way. Age or weight is not a limiting factor in cycling. Injury can be rehabed on a normal bike. The granny gear is the imitation of an e bike! I just don't know why everyone feels they need to go so fast and far! Battery disposal makes my heart sad also. I'm an er nurse so I know I'm not objective on accidents. I'll leave that one alone. Thanks for letting me rant. :)
I think there’s a lot of truth in what you’re saying. There isn’t a direct equivalency between someone who buys an e-bike on a whim to get to work and starts riding 20 mph right away, and an experienced cyclist who can ride 20 mph because they’ve spent years building their fitness and skills. The speed may be the same, but people often perceive those riders presence differently.
That’s one reason I think education and awareness need to be a big part of this conversation. Personally, I don’t really care what brought someone to an e-bike in the first place. What matters is that they understand the responsibilities that come with riding one. They need to be aware of how their speed and behavior affect others and how to ride courteously around other trail users.
At the end of the day, it’s not just about the bike. It’s about sharing the trail responsibly and making sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience. Thanks for your thoughtful comment.
Everyone has different levels of fitness and goals. It’s wrong to limit any level of fitness people are trying to obtain. Instead of criticizing the levels of e-bike assistance for fitness. Maybe appreciate that people are out here getting exercise they wouldn’t have without any bikes and enjoying nature and the trails. Everybody starts somewhere. I am an E bike owner for 2 1/2 years and did not bike much before. I currently ride the first 6 miles on my e-bike with no assistance, which is harder than most non e-bikes. I see the biggest issue is speed and I can tell you I get passed on the trails by non e-bikes at least at a rate of 10-1. The issue to me isn’t an e-bike issue. It is a speed issue. Are there more injuries on trails since e-bikes have gotten popular? I would assume so. Probably more riders on the trails since e-bikes were introduced as well. That could increase the injury numbers. Mike you have created some great talking points. Thank you for trying to slow the decision making processes down to get all the facts and explore multiple solutions.
Tom, you have summarized the issue very well. I authored the original regulations used by the GAP years ago. Those were in response to a directive from the Federal Gov looking to determine which recreational trails should be regulated for mobility devices. Since then, I've followed the adjustments to those regs, the adoption of snippets by other groups and government agencies, and the more recent discussions as eBike use has grown.
There is considerable misunderstanding of eBikes, particularly the Classes as defined. In the mix, the machines have come to be the focus of the debate.
I'm particularly pleased with your article since, in many places, it focuses on the lack of education surrounding trail etiquette. With the popularity of eBikes, people are acquiring models and getting onto the trails. They, if not being on a bike for years, have no idea of what's expected. The trails offer a long list of "don'ts" on a sign at the trailhead. This is seldom read, even less understood, and mainly ignored.
I've often commented that there needs to be a concentrated effort by the trail groups and government agencies to begin a program presenting the notion of trail etiquette in a way that people will read, understand, and most of all remember. The project should be statewide, and when you consider the situation in south-western PA, where Ohio and WVa are right next door, and trails are being built that cross those state lines, even multi-state.
A qualified, talented, clever marketing consultant should be involved from the very beginning. This isn't the space to go into details, and this example is outdated, but think of "Smokey the Bear". Who doesn't see him (it), and say to themselves - Only you can prevent forest fires." That's the kind of trail etiquette program that needs to be mounted.
Just as a side note to you, I worked with the original Trail Town Program, know Amy, and have been following your work with the long-distance trail in Ohio.
Again, thanks for publishing this article.
I'm so glad to see your comment. There seems to be a great deal of focus on the class of e-bike, but the issue is much broader than that. You really hit the nail on the head when you pointed to etiquette and behavior.
Today, many people find themselves on an e-bike with little understanding of trail etiquette, appropriate speed, or how the added power of a motor can affect both their riding ability and the experience of others on the trail. Those are important factors that need to be considered when developing regulations.
I also believe the conversation needs to extend beyond individual cities creating rules on their own. Too often, regulations may be crafted by policymakers who have never ridden a bicycle on a trail and whose understanding comes primarily from what they find online. Now, increasingly, AI-generated information may influence those discussions as well. The reality is far more nuanced and complex than it may appear at first glance.
As you noted, these challenges are very different from those faced in earlier years, and they deserve thoughtful consideration from cyclists, trail users, advocates, and policymakers alike.
Thanks again for sharing your perspective. Tom