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On August 29th, 2019, the Secretary of the Interior issued a Secretarial Order stating that e-bikes should be allowed anywhere regular bikes are allowed in National Parks and on BLM land, and giving the relevant governmental agencies 30 days to promulgate rules. While this doesn't impact us much here in the Flathead Valley, there are questions about whether the US Forest Service might implement such changes sometime in the near future. For more on this issue, check out this article appearing in Outside Magazine, featuring statements from FAMB Board Member Noah Bodman: https://www.outsideonline.com/2402117/public-lands-ebikes On September 1, FAMB conducted a brief survey to gauge public opinion on how e-bikes should be looked at by land managers for purposes of deciding access. 79% of respondents said their primary trail use was mountain biking, and 15% said their primary trail use was on foot. The e-bike question was almost a dead heat: 38% thought e-bikes should be viewed as motorized vehicles, 27% thought e-bikes should be treated just like mountain bikes, and 35% felt that e-bikes deserve to be looked at as a new and separate category of trail use. 
4 Comments
Pete Lev
6/18/2020 10:15:45 am
Class-1 bikes should be considered as regular mountain bikes and allowed anywhere on any public land or leased government land where regular mountain bikes are allowed. Class 1 bikes (pedal assist up to 20 m.p.h) are actually no faster downhill than regular NON-electric mountain bikes. They are actually slower than a road bike in most conditions. They allow for physically challenged people to ride with more fit friends and enjoy bike trails that they may not be able to use due to health conditions. 8/1/2022 08:29:25 am
A motorcycle, often called a motorbike, bike, cycle, or trike, is a two- or three-wheeled motor vehicle. Motorcycle design varies greatly to suit a range of different purposes: long-distance travel, commuting, cruising, sport, and off-road riding. 3/21/2023 04:20:20 pm
The Famb e-bike survey featured in Outside Magazine's article was an eye-opener for me. As an avid cyclist, I was intrigued by the results that showed the significant positive impact e-bikes can have on families and individuals, both physically and mentally. The survey highlighted how e-bikes can make cycling more accessible, even for those who are less fit or have mobility issues. I appreciated the article's focus on the broader benefits of e-bikes beyond just transportation, such as increased social bonding and overall enjoyment of the outdoors. Overall, the Famb e-bike survey and the Outside Magazine article have convinced me to give e-biking a try and explore the potential benefits for myself and my family. Leave a Reply. |
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