Arthur Peabody

Maddy Butcher, in SW Colorado, writes about the conflict between e-bikers and other trail users.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opini...raffic-e-bike/
right-click on the link, save the file, read the copy

speedy25

As usual the "information" used to make an issue out of something that shouldnt be an issue is....false!

It was proved years ago that e-mtb's cause LESS damage to trails that regular pedal bikes.

Of course the regular users whispered in the ears of those who mange trails "ebikes BAD!" and those people believed it. DNR's and forest service have some bizarre rules, while the National Park service said OK almost 5 years ago.

Ebike use on a trail isnt an issue. Sometimes a rider IS an issue, but trail managers have NEVER done anything about those guys in spandex blasting through people at 25-30 mph. Most if not all ebike riders are respectful to others and rarely exceed the unposted speed limit of 15.

If you need to do some advocating, contact people for bikes. They are a good source of information and help. They showed up in my home state of OH to help with passing the 3 class system. It did pass unanimously. You know that never happens in the wold world of politics.

-SP

Steve B.

There are inaccuracies here. E-bikes that use throttles generally can produce a lot more horsepower than a mt. bike with no motor assist and as such and if used poorly, can cause significant trail damage, where a non motorized mt, bike cannot. I have seen this occur and is the reason I think class 1& 2 e-bikes should be banned from dirt trails that allow hikers and mt. bikes.

2old

Whether it is fair or not, in my burg of Orange County, CA, e-MTB's are prohibited on all city, county and state trails. The only semi-decent "trail(s)" they're allowed on are fire roads that are legal for motor vehicles too. However, since the parks are mostly not policed, there is a lot of "e" activity.

unterhausen

I saw this was written by a horse person and laughed and laughed. They do tend to win battles like this though, even though most of them shouldn't be allowed to ride on a public mixed-use trail.

jon c. 

I find that hard to believe.

Calsun

Any bicycle with or without power can damage trails. So can horses and these particular users leave behind large piles of excrement as well. Where I live the trails are closed during and after a rain to allow them to dry out which helps a great deal.

Chuck Naill

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park allows horse riders to use the same trail as hikers, it is a mess, plus each rider is essentially three two legged hikers. Where I live now allow bikers and hikers, but no horses. There is a noticeable difference.

I grew up riding horses. Some horses are shy and will jump out of their skin when surprised.

gpburdell

Seems it'd be even worse - a horse with rider would puts down a lot of PSI on each hoof, so they'd presumably disturb the trail surface a lot more than a hiker, particularly when wet.

Plus very few hikers drop deuces as they're walking down the trail...

Calsun

Bikers, hikers, and people on horses should not be on the same trails. "Mixed use" is a political response that ignores the reality of inevitable conflicts when forced to use the same trails. Same problems on bike paths with people on road bikes, people pushing strollers with toddlers, and groups socializing and often stopping on the path to chat.

Best solution as this time would be to limit the time of day for each user group on the trails and on bike paths. People would need to learn to read signs which is no small thing.

Bald Paul

Trakhak

Years ago, most people were unaware that ebikes existed. Now they're everywhere and make it easy for exponentially increasing numbers of people to tear it up in the woods who would never think of sweating their way up a trail on an MTB, much less in hiking boots.

Seriously? Lycra-bashing? You're better than that.

I saw an ebike rider poking along at under 15 mph once.

Once.