Good read. Its nice to hear the affirmation that we don't owe anyone any justifications for our choice of using an ebike. I really wish more people understood the difference between electric-assist bicycles and motorized vehicles that have a similar appearance to a bicycle. It's frustrating to see people on those motorized vehicles on trails, not pedaling, because I worry they are going to cause outrage leading to blanket ebike bans, ruining it for those of us who require the assistance to bike on hilly terrain. I also wish people would treat the conversation about speed on trails completely separate from the bike vs e-bike debate. I get passed like I'm standing still by anyone in spandex and an expensive regular bike. People concerned with speed shouldn't even begin thinking about banning e-bikes unless they're also proposing banning any bike that cost more than $400, because they can ALL go much faster than class 1 and 2 electric assist bikes.
So many valid points. As a person who works on trails, almost all e-bikers I encounter go at a safe pace and are generally older people. Speed is the problem and as you point out it's not solely owned by an ebike. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I'm older as are my fellow riders. E-bikes enable them to continue the fun of bike riding. I welcome their companionship, their knowledge, and their navigation skills. When riding two abreast, I have learned that I have to react more quickly to oncoming e-bike riders. Not always easy to tell whether an oncoming bike is an e-bike and getting harder each year. However, its my problem to manage.
Great Article Tom! I echo that e-bikes are making cycling available to so many that never knew proper trail (and road) etiquette. Many pedal only cyclists (myself included) didn’t know the “rules” when we started. Now instead of the occasional newbie, there are many. Hopefully time and mutual respect will sort this out. Great bulleted list as well!
Good read. Its nice to hear the affirmation that we don't owe anyone any justifications for our choice of using an ebike. I really wish more people understood the difference between electric-assist bicycles and motorized vehicles that have a similar appearance to a bicycle. It's frustrating to see people on those motorized vehicles on trails, not pedaling, because I worry they are going to cause outrage leading to blanket ebike bans, ruining it for those of us who require the assistance to bike on hilly terrain. I also wish people would treat the conversation about speed on trails completely separate from the bike vs e-bike debate. I get passed like I'm standing still by anyone in spandex and an expensive regular bike. People concerned with speed shouldn't even begin thinking about banning e-bikes unless they're also proposing banning any bike that cost more than $400, because they can ALL go much faster than class 1 and 2 electric assist bikes.
So many valid points. As a person who works on trails, almost all e-bikers I encounter go at a safe pace and are generally older people. Speed is the problem and as you point out it's not solely owned by an ebike. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I'm older as are my fellow riders. E-bikes enable them to continue the fun of bike riding. I welcome their companionship, their knowledge, and their navigation skills. When riding two abreast, I have learned that I have to react more quickly to oncoming e-bike riders. Not always easy to tell whether an oncoming bike is an e-bike and getting harder each year. However, its my problem to manage.
Great Article Tom! I echo that e-bikes are making cycling available to so many that never knew proper trail (and road) etiquette. Many pedal only cyclists (myself included) didn’t know the “rules” when we started. Now instead of the occasional newbie, there are many. Hopefully time and mutual respect will sort this out. Great bulleted list as well!