Hey guys, I though this was pretty neat. A fellow named George shared (Link Removed - No Longer Exists) with me announcing that the Contra Costa Canal Regional Trail in Contra Costa County California, the Alameda Creek Trail in Alameda County California and the Iron Horse Trail running through both Contra Costa and Alameda Counties California will be open to Class 1 and Class 2 electric bikes for a pilot program through July 2018. For those who don't know about electric bike classes, I wrote an article here a while back... but basically, it means pedal assist and throttle operated electric bicycles capable of reaching up to 20 mph.
This announcement was exciting to me because it talks about how many different types of people use e-bikes and are already riding on the trails for commuting or recreational purposes. It is my understanding that the pilot program is designed to assess how the bikes get and possibly expand to other trails in the future. It could be used as a model for other counties around the state and nation to integrate e-bikes and regular bikes more officially. Here are a couple of choice quotes from the article:
On Wednesday, July 5, 2017, the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors voted unanimously to implement a one year E-Bike Pilot Program on three regional trails in the Park District.
There has already been an increase in bicycle commuting via our trails and E-Bike users will likely continue the trend, which will help reduce traffic congestion on roadways, advance green transportation modes, and improve access for those with physical limitation. E-bikes are not just used by commuters, however. Many seniors and individuals with disabilities are opting for a bicycle that can do the pedaling when they can’t. These types of bikes provide new mobility opportunities to people who need extra assistance.
This announcement was exciting to me because it talks about how many different types of people use e-bikes and are already riding on the trails for commuting or recreational purposes. It is my understanding that the pilot program is designed to assess how the bikes get and possibly expand to other trails in the future. It could be used as a model for other counties around the state and nation to integrate e-bikes and regular bikes more officially. Here are a couple of choice quotes from the article:
On Wednesday, July 5, 2017, the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors voted unanimously to implement a one year E-Bike Pilot Program on three regional trails in the Park District.
There has already been an increase in bicycle commuting via our trails and E-Bike users will likely continue the trend, which will help reduce traffic congestion on roadways, advance green transportation modes, and improve access for those with physical limitation. E-bikes are not just used by commuters, however. Many seniors and individuals with disabilities are opting for a bicycle that can do the pedaling when they can’t. These types of bikes provide new mobility opportunities to people who need extra assistance.
