E-Bike is now allowed in Federal National Parks!

[seamarsh]

It has to be done in 30 days. The order said "as soon as possible, but no later than 30 days."

And the action is to notify the public with notices of what we already know from reading the order. We don't have to wait for signs to be installed since the notice is also electronic.

Ok so it’s been almost 30 days... so all of these new rules have been enacted and you can ride ebikes in parks like you said?

 

[papab]

The national parks has updated there policy. BLM has not updated there's. We should all call them and ask what them what they are doing.

 

[seamarsh]

What e-bikes mean for Yosemite, Point Reyes, Sequoia

this is what everyones up against..

"Rangers could solve this by banning mountain bikes here, a worthy sacrifice that would take care of the e-bike issue in a single maneuver."

unbelievable.. but not

 

[Macone]

What e-bikes mean for Yosemite, Point Reyes, Sequoia

this is what everyones up against..

"Rangers could solve this by banning mountain bikes here, a worthy sacrifice that would take care of the e-bike issue in a single maneuver."

unbelievable.. but not

Actually, that's the opinion of one "glass half empty" person. Most logical optimistic (or glass half full) people will just get on with it and enjoy life. Yes there will be idiots who try and stop the inevitable sea of change, like the original protesters against the first mountain bikes on their precious "walking trails", but they need to get over themselves and accept that we all enjoy different outdoor pursuits and it doesn't need to be a competition for the resources, any more than it was in the 70's and 80's.

 

[squeegee]

Actually, that's the opinion of one "glass half empty" person. Most logical optimistic (or glass half full) people will just get on with it and enjoy life. Yes there will be idiots who try and stop the inevitable sea of change, like the original protesters against the first mountain bikes on their precious "walking trails", but they need to get over themselves and accept that we all enjoy different outdoor pursuits and it doesn't need to be a competition for the resources, any more than it was in the 70's and 80's.

Thank you

 

[levity]

Mrs levity on the White Rim Trail near Lathrop Canyon in Canyonlands Natl Park

 

[eJimBo]

Seems like the tide is turning among trail advocates, too. Here's one of the more interesting articles I've seen recently:
We Asked Four Major Trail Organizations for their Thoughts on eMTB Trail Access -

 

[seamarsh]

Actually, that's the opinion of one "glass half empty" person. Most logical optimistic (or glass half full) people will just get on with it and enjoy life. Yes there will be idiots who try and stop the inevitable sea of change, like the original protesters against the first mountain bikes on their precious "walking trails", but they need to get over themselves and accept that we all enjoy different outdoor pursuits and it doesn't need to be a competition for the resources, any more than it was in the 70's and 80's.

Just talked to local national park employee and they still haven’t decided what to do.. so it really depends on location.. this is in California... they are thinking of making current bike trail illegal to get around this order.. so it’s not just opinion.

 

[Slowroller]

They're gonna ban bikes so they can ban ebikes?? Wtf

 

[Rusty]

They're gonna ban bikes so they can ban ebikes?? Wtf

That is California - and why I refuse to live there anymore.

 

[papab]

None of the national parks I've been to had any trails open to mtb's, just a few dirt roads. It's BLM access that's going to make the difference, and then national forest.

 

[Rusty]

It's BLM access that's going to make the difference, and then national forest.

Sadly, since the 70's that stands for Buttheads Land Mismanagement

 

[Macone]

Just talked to local national park employee and they still haven’t decided what to do.. so it really depends on location.. this is in California... they are thinking of making current bike trail illegal to get around this order.. so it’s not just opinion.

Yeah it is. that was one employee!!!! Because I'm a glass half full type of guy, bet you a six pack of craft beer, that doesn't happen.

 

[papab]

BLM has updated their policies.
E-bikes on public lands | Bureau of Land Management
They are waffling a little but it does say:

In considering when and where to authorize the use of e-bikes, District or Field Managers should take into account the policy set forth in SO 3376 that the use of e-bikes in the pedal assist mode and traditional bicycles without an electric pedal assist should be treated generally in the same manner.

In the event that a District or Field Manager is considering denying the use of low-speed electric bicycles in a specific location, a written explanation must be submitted to and approved by the State Director.

 

[Jeff H]

BLM has updated their policies.
E-bikes on public lands | Bureau of Land Management
They are waffling a little but it does say:

From the People for Bikes link:
Does the Secretarial Order apply to the Forest Service?
No. The United States Forest Service is part of the Department of Agriculture. The Secretarial Order has no bearing on Forest Service bicycle policies or those that pertain to any other Department of Agriculture lands.

Too bad many of the amazing trails around Lake Tahoe are USFS

 

[levity]

...Too bad many of the amazing trails around Lake Tahoe are USFS

Tahoe National Forest - Home

"The Tahoe National Forest offers a wide variety of e-mountain bike (E-MTB) riding opportunities... Class 1 E-MTBs will be extended additional opportunities on the Tahoe National Forest starting in 2019...

a list of trails: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd641617.pdf

also this from FB:

Based on this I'm optimistic that more trails in the Tahoe basin will be open to ebikes in the future

 

[Jeff H]

Tahoe National Forest - Home

"The Tahoe National Forest offers a wide variety of e-mountain bike (E-MTB) riding opportunities... Class 1 E-MTBs will be extended additional opportunities on the Tahoe National Forest starting in 2019...

a list of trails: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd641617.pdf

also this from FB:

Based on this I'm optimistic that more trails in the Tahoe basin will be open to ebikes in the future

I’m aware of the OHV trails but this is the first I’ve seen mention of “extended opportunities in 2019”. There’s hope! Thanks for posting.

 

[Jeb]

William Perry Pendley (Acting Director of the BLM) apparently enjoying his Specialized Turbo Levo on Federal land!

 

[cdalexcracer]

But everyone in OC are haters, OCParks specifically to the point that they hand tickets out to everyone and anyone they see doing anything against their archaic rules.

Totally True, was stopped by park rangers on a trail off the 73 and had to talk to them for a while to avoid a ticket. They were reasonable and let me go on my way since I was reasonable with them, you know didn't claim I was a sovereign citizen or anything!
Picked up a Class 2 sticker for my DIY bike to hopefully make next encounter a little easier, couldn't hurt. Looks like they have a Class 3 option, too: https://www.ebay.com/itm/eBike-Clas...for-Electric-Bike-Sur-Ron-2-pack/164376333987


Are there any trails with an exception that we should be avoiding? Thanks!