WASHINGTON – The National Park Service has concluded that it’s okay for visitors to ride e-bikes in parks as long as the superintendent determines it’s consistent with public safety and consideration of natural and cultural resources.
Last year, the NPS held an open comment period for members of the public and local, State, Tribal, and Federal agencies to provide feedback on a programmatic environmental assessment (PEA).
The review examined the potential national level impacts of e-bike use in national parks. Late last week the NPS reaffirmed the existing 2020 rule that authorizes superintendents to allow e-bikes, where appropriate, on park roads, parking areas, and administrative roads and trails where traditional bicycles are also allowed.
Public lands designated by Congress as “wilderness areas” remain off-limits to both traditional bicycles and e-bikes.
When determining if and where e-bikes might be allowed in the park, superintendents must take into consideration public health and safety, natural and cultural resource protection, and other management activities and objectives.
To determine whether e-bikes are allowed in a specific park, visit the park website or contact the park directly. You can find a specific park website and contact information at: Find a Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)
When managed appropriately, the use of e-bikes can enhance fun and healthy recreational opportunities for visitors to national parks and support active transportation options.
In a news release, the park service wrote: “E-bikes can have many benefits for parks and visitors including expanding access for those with physical limitations, supporting clean transportation and reducing vehicle congestion within parks, and providing healthy recreation opportunities.
“The 2020 rules ensures that NPS must manage this form of access and recreation, like others that occur in park areas, in a manner that protects park resources, values, and visitors.”
##RVT1172b
Thank you, RV Travel! 🙂 Well, at least it isn’t “one size fits all,” in that the superintendent of EACH park makes a determination independent of any, all other parks. I doubt that it will affect whether we ever buy an ebike. DW is opposed, so that is that. Thanks again, have a great week, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
“When managed appropriately”? What does that mean? We have Ebikes. They are just bicycles that give you a boost when you need it. Our Ebikes have helped us up steep hills and mountain trails we never would have experienced otherwise. They are not motorcycles. We don’t ride fast. In fact, we are surpassed by good old-fashioned 10 speed bicycles all the time. The biggest problem with ALL bicycles on park trails is that people fail to warn others (walkers and bicyclists) that they are passing them. All you have to do is ring your bell and call out ‘passing on your left!’ and the biggest risk of injury due to bicycles in national parks is removed.
Many trails have signs that say “Motorized vehicles prohibited.” E-bikes have a motor.