Dr. Laura Bishop
Eagle, a town known for its bike-friendly environment, has responded to concerns raised by its community regarding the use of electric-assisted bicycles (e-bikes). The surge in e-bike usage last summer prompted many residents to voice apprehensions to the Town Council. The lack of state regulations regarding e-bikes compelled the town to take matters into its own hands in order to ensure safety on its streets.
In a memo to the town council, Interim Police Chief Carrie Buhlman stressed the necessity of implementing regulations, educating the public, and enforcing the responsible use of e-bikes. The council, heeding these recommendations, approved a new ordinance on Tuesday that sets forth various standards for e-bike operation within the town.
The new regulations include a speed limit of 15 miles per hour for all electric-assisted bicycles on designated bike paths, sidewalks, and non-motorized trails. E-bikes operating on roadways must adhere to posted speed limits and comply with general traffic rules, including making complete stops at intersections and yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks.
Safety measures also require all e-bike riders under the age of 18 to wear helmets while operating their vehicles. Additionally, e-bikes are only allowed to carry the number of passengers specified by the manufacturer. The use of mobile phones by riders is prohibited, except when utilizing hands-free methods.
Furthermore, the ordinance outlines specific locations where e-bikes are permitted and designates dismount zones in certain areas of town. Notably, the Second Gulch Trail is the sole dirt trail within the town where e-bikes are permitted. Sidewalk operation guidelines state that e-bikes should generally be ridden on the right-hand side but may be ridden on the left if the width of the sidewalk or path is less than 36 inches. However, numerous sidewalks in designated areas require e-bike riders to dismount.
The town plans to collaborate with schools to educate students about these new regulations. As part of an extensive educational campaign, approximately 130 speed limit signs will be erected along bike paths, sidewalks, trails, and dismount zones. The cost for sign materials and installation is estimated to be around $64,000.
The implementation of these regulations follows a community survey and public meeting to gather input on e-bike regulations. The majority of respondents supported the establishment of dismount zones in particular areas and the implementation of speed limits on bike paths, sidewalks, and trails.
With the ordinance in place, council member Geoff Grimmer expressed his readiness to support enforcement efforts by the town police department. The proactive approach taken by Eagle signifies their commitment to maintaining safety and fostering responsible e-bike use within their community.
The electric-assisted bicycle (e-bike) industry has seen a surge in usage in recent years, prompting concerns about safety and the need for regulations. Eagle, a bike-friendly town, has responded to these concerns by implementing a new ordinance that sets standards for e-bike operation within the town.
The new regulations include a speed limit of 15 miles per hour for e-bikes on designated bike paths, sidewalks, and non-motorized trails. E-bikes operating on roadways must adhere to posted speed limits and comply with general traffic rules. Safety measures require riders under the age of 18 to wear helmets, and e-bikes are only allowed to carry the number of passengers specified by the manufacturer.
In addition to these regulations, the ordinance designates specific locations where e-bikes are permitted and establishes dismount zones in certain areas of town. The Second Gulch Trail is the only dirt trail within the town where e-bikes are allowed.
To educate the public about the new regulations, the town plans to collaborate with schools and erect approximately 130 speed limit signs along bike paths, sidewalks, trails, and dismount zones. The cost for sign materials and installation is estimated to be around $64,000.
The implementation of these regulations follows a community survey and public meeting to gather input on e-bike regulations. The majority of respondents supported the establishment of dismount zones and the implementation of speed limits.
This proactive approach by the town of Eagle demonstrates their commitment to maintaining safety and fostering responsible e-bike use within their community.
For more information about e-bike trends and regulations, you can visit the Electric Ride Report. This website provides comprehensive coverage of the e-bike industry, market forecasts, and issues related to e-bike usage.
