For those of you interested in e-bike use on public lands, the Forest Service has posted a notice in the Federal Register… did you catch this Yamaha and Christini? Our own ADVOCACY columnist Don Amador notes that eBikes could become a victim of their own success. “The National Forest Service says e-bikes have become increasingly popular nationwide among outdoor recreationists on NFS and other federal lands and the issue must be addressed,” notes Amador.
As the agency states, E-bikes expand recreational opportunities for many people, particularly the elderly and disabled, enabling them to enjoy the outdoors and associated health benefits. Currently e-bike use is not allowed on NFS roads, on NFS trails, and in areas on NFS lands that are not designated for motor vehicle use.
To promote designation of NFS roads, NFS trails, and areas on NFS lands for e-bike use, the proposed revisions include new definitions for e-bikes and a Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes, as well as guidance and criteria for designating e-bike use on NFS roads, on NFS trails and in areas on NFS lands.
Here is where the likes of Christini, Yamaha and the dealers themselves come into the equation: NFS is seeking your input/comments on their proposals to update their e-bike guidance. Comments are due October 26, 2020.
Amador offers several management/planning concepts based on his extensive work on e-bike issues during the past few years, as well as a link to the notice published in the Federal Register. Speak up now or shut up later!
https://quietwarriorracing.
