E-bikes are gaining popularity and are one of many great ways to attract new ridership and increase the accessibility of cycling. However, they can also reach dangerous speeds and it is important to be especially aware of this while you are sharing the trails. Safety should always be priority. For this reason, we encourage you to submit your comments on DCNR’s E-Bike Policy for PA Trails, and to use the recommended guidelines detailed below. The deadline for public comment is Wednesday August 31st.

Policy Details

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) released a draft policy on the use of e-bikes on bike trails found in state parks and forests that are managed by the agency. Here is the policy that was released in July, which will allow the use of e-bikes on trails that are already open to the use of traditional bikes.

Our Recommendations

Most importantly, we support a speed limit of 15 mph for all trail users. We are also in agreement with Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia’s recommendations to trail managers and legislators to do the following:

• Update the state vehicle code by properly defining the three-class system as outlined by People for Bikes’ published a one-pager that offers a Model Electric Bicycle Law with Classes.
• Set a speed limit for all trail users (we suggest 15 mph). The speed limit could be lowered where there are conflicts in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.
• Add trail etiquette signs at trailheads.
• Permit e-bikes and other low-speed personal vehicles on paved shared use paths with a posted speed limit.
• Display maps and/or regulations at trailheads to show where e-bikes are allowed.
• Publish maps to show where e-bikes are allowed on trails.

Take Action

Your comments can help establish safety guidelines for e-bikes on trails in PA. Submit your comments and along with these recommendations to DCNR’s policy office today: