I read with interest the OP and comments on the article, with it and here on EBR. I live in an area in SW Ontario, Canada where regulations exist regarding class 1, 2 and 3 ebikes, and speeds are limited to 20 mph/32 km. In my area at least, arguments about ebike access to trails are hardly even at their infancy. So it’s helpful to me to see how these issues might evolve.
I live 5 miles/8 km from the entrance to a lovely multi-use Provincial Park, which is part of a unique Carolinian environment beside a Great Lake (Huron), and well managed for conservation. It is connected by a paved track parallel to the highway that was constructed over 20 years ago by our local Rotary Club. The park doesn’t charge an entry fee for anyone entering on a bicycle (or ebike) and as a result I often enter the park on single-track grassy trails within a couple of km from my door. Some of these trails are virtually deserted, others have pedestrians and cyclists. They and the paved/gravel routes within the park are a regular part of my daily 30-40 km ride, which I enjoy immensely.
I value this access privilege and will do my part if/when needed to help ensure responsible ebike use of the park. I already see evidence that an occasional dirt bike (not permitted) has accessed and damaged some of these trails. This area is pretty flat, and high powered ebikes are also just not needed.
Here, as everywhere else, biking and e-biking is exploding in popularity so I expect some of the issues described here will surface sooner rather than later.
electricbikereview.com
