This is an email I sent without response to PeopleForBikes, which is pertinent to this discussion, so I've copied it in as sent:
For the past three years (approx 30k miles) I've commuted from north side of Thornton to the south side of DTC on a speed pedelec (Felt NINEe 20). My commute is 35.4mi each way, of which only about 7mi is on the street. The majority is on multi-use paths, on which I cross portions of Thornton, Northglenn, Commerce City, Brighton, Denver, Glenndale, Aurora, Greenwood Village, and Englewood. Given that CRS 42-4-1412 (2016) clause 14, states riders on e-bikes should not use the motor on paths, except as authorized by local governments, is there anyplace where people can find these local government's position regarding motor use on paths? If not, is that something that an advocacy organization like People for Bikes could research and publish?
While I'm glad to see e-bikes being recognized and partially sanctioned, I'm concerned about the "model" legislation in Colorado and elsewhere that bans speed pedelecs (class 3 bikes) from the multi-use paths. Multiple classes of bikes with differing rules leads to confusion and error, as made clear in the
Denver Post's recent article where speed pedelecs are described as "higher-powered rides that are essentially electric mopeds."
The posted speed limit for many portions of the path is 15mph. Cyclists, regardless of what they are riding, should be ticketed if they are riding recklessly or too fast. It is impossible to distinguish between most major manufacturer's Class 1 and Class 3 bikes by looking at them as they pass. To enforce this legislation, e-bikes would have to be stopped, and inspected for a classification sticker, or tested. As written, this "model" legislation is likely to be used as a politically expedient method of making life difficult for all e-bikes the moment someone is injured in an accident involving an e-bike. Accidents will happen involving e-bikes, just as they do for regular bikes, pedestrians, joggers and motorists. Multiple classes with different rules just ensures that all e-bikes will be targeted when an accident happens, even those who are riding responsibly.
Thanks,
-dan
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