"E-bikes to face speed limits on popular Seattle trails"

[currypotter]

So there is some contradictory text in Washington Sate SB 6434.

It states: "Class 3 electric-assisted bicycles may be operated on facilities that are within or adjacent to a highway."

Since the Burke-Gilman trail in Kenmore is adjacent to SR 522, that would suggest I am allowed on there with my Class 3, even though there are signs posted for Class 1 and 2 only.

But right after this statement in SB 6434 is: "Class 3 electric-assisted bicycles may not be operated on a shared-use path, except where local jurisdictions may allow the use of class 3 electric-assisted bicycles. "

So which is it?

 

[Nutella]

So there is some contradictory text in Washington Sate SB 6434.

It states: "Class 3 electric-assisted bicycles may be operated on facilities that are within or adjacent to a highway."

Since the Burke-Gilman trail in Kenmore is adjacent to SR 522, that would suggest I am allowed on there with my Class 3, even though there are signs posted for Class 1 and 2 only.

But right after this statement in SB 6434 is: "Class 3 electric-assisted bicycles may not be operated on a shared-use path, except where local jurisdictions may allow the use of class 3 electric-assisted bicycles. "

So which is it?

Who ever posted the signs has the final say. Any jurisdiction can opt out of Class 1-3 altogether, so that trail is clearly Class 1 & 2 only. Local control is superior to the state law. Being a logical person, I'd suggest that the "operated on facilities that are within or adjacent to a highway." is related to bike lanes and not paths, since that's what the other Class 3 laws say in other states.

 

[ebikemom]

I think if you ride your ebike in a polite and safe manner, no one will pay any attention to what class the bike is.

 

[BoatFixx]

Sorry, I won't go near the Burke Gilman and Elliot Bay trails anymore, speed limits or not. Last time we took the grand kids riding over there it was like running the gauntlet from a scene from the movie "Escape From New York". The homeless drug-dogs are ruining your trails. Or should I say the community's mis-placed compassion to leave this group alone, and just let them kill your otherwise idyllic geography? What a mess! Ballard is the same way. "can you say, enablers?" (rant off)

 

[tomjasz]

Sorry, I won't go near the Burke Gilman and Elliot Bay trails anymore, speed limits or not. Last time we took the grand kids riding over there it was like running the gauntlet from a scene from the movie "Escape From New York". The homeless drug-dogs are ruining your trails. Or should I say the community's mis-placed compassion to leave this group alone, and just let them kill your otherwise idyllic geography? What a mess! Ballard is the same way. "can you say, enablers?" (rant off)

Seems a warmer weather thing. Last visit to Santa Monica all we could smell in the parks was urine and excrement. Maybe west coasters have developed a nose block... I'd rather ride in 20F than sunshine and the stench of body fluids.

 

[BoatFixx]

Seems a warmer weather thing. Last visit to Santa Monica all we could smell in the parks was urine and excrement. Maybe west coasters have developed a nose block... I'd rather ride in 20F than sunshine and the stench of body fluids.

At what point to good people start demanding personal responsibility from their fellow community members, rather then remaining enablers of bad actors?

 

[Gator]

At what point to good people start demanding personal responsibility from their fellow community members, rather then remaining enablers of bad actors?

We already do. Vote and leave it to law enforcement. Anything else is vigilant which is criminal.

 

[BoatFixx]

We already do. Vote and leave it to law enforcement. Anything else is vigilant which is criminal.

Howdy, Gator!

Wow, who was talking anything criminal or vigilanteism? I know I sure wouldn't as it is not in my DNA to take the law into my own hands!
But as it has been an increasing problem for quite some time, it looks like maybe your elected officials are not listening to their constituents?
And, perhaps your law enforcement is having their hands tied by your mayor?
Just guessing here, as it surely is a mess along your trails, and streets. I'll mention Ballard, just because I'm down there often. However, I do know its that way in many parts of the city. Needless to say, we'll keep the kids outta there.
Good luck!

 

[ebikemom]

I haven't run into any problems on bike trails, and live in the Seattle area. Most people are reasonable and courteous in their behavior.