Dr. Alexander Reynolds
The rise in popularity of electric bikes in Lincoln has presented a dilemma for city officials – how to regulate their use on hiking and biking trails. The existing city ordinance prohibits vehicles, bikes, trikes, horses, and other animals from exceeding speeds of 25 mph on the trails. However, it does not explicitly mention electric bikes.
This issue was recently discussed during a City Council meeting where proposed amendments were put forth to clarify the allowed vehicles on both multi-use trails and hiker-biker trails in parks. The proposed changes explicitly ban mopeds, golf carts, motor vehicles, motorcycles, and various other vehicles from the trails. However, electric bikes were not included in this list.
The Parks and Recreation Director, Maggie Stuckey-Ross, addressed the council, highlighting the growing popularity of electrically powered devices like e-bikes and e-scooters in Lincoln. She emphasized the need for clarity and consistency in local laws regarding these devices. Currently, e-bikes are not considered motorized vehicles as they can be powered by the rider’s muscles. As long as they do not exceed 25 mph, e-bikes are allowed on the trails.
Councilman Tom Duden and trail user Ken Winston expressed concerns about the lack of clarity regarding the legality of e-bikes. Winston stated that he had witnessed e-bikes surpassing the speed limit without pedaling. He called for a more definitive definition of what is legal and what is not when it comes to e-bikes.
While electric bikes offer numerous benefits such as zero-emission transportation and encouraging outdoor exercise, city officials are now taking a closer look at how to regulate this emerging form of transportation. The aim is to establish clear guidelines that strike a balance between allowing e-bike usage and ensuring trail safety.
In addition to the regulation of e-bikes, Parks and Recreation officials are also working to clarify rules regarding the use of fountains in the city. The proposed change would explicitly state that fountains are for admiring, not for swimming or wading. Stuckey-Ross explained that fountains are not designed for recreational purposes and do not meet water quality standards. Adding this language to the ordinance would reinforce the existing signs prohibiting wading in city-owned waterways.
As Lincoln’s trails continue to evolve with the influx of electric bikes, city officials are committed to examining the new landscape and devising regulations that align with the needs of residents while maintaining safety standards.
The rise in popularity of electric bikes in Lincoln reflects a larger trend in the electric bike industry as a whole. Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, have seen a significant increase in sales and usage worldwide in recent years. According to a market research report by Grand View Research, the global electric bike market size was valued at $15.42 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach $19.40 billion by 2027, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7% from 2020 to 2027.
One of the main factors driving the growth of the electric bike industry is the increasing demand for eco-friendly transportation solutions. E-bikes offer a sustainable alternative to traditional bicycles and motor vehicles, as they produce zero emissions and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. They also provide an accessible and affordable means of transportation, particularly for urban areas with traffic congestion and limited parking spaces.
However, the rapid adoption of electric bikes has also raised concerns about safety and regulatory issues. As mentioned in the article, city officials in Lincoln are facing the challenge of how to regulate the use of electric bikes on hiking and biking trails. This issue is not unique to Lincoln, as many cities and municipalities are grappling with similar questions about where and how e-bikes should be allowed to operate. The lack of clear and consistent regulations has led to ambiguity and confusion for both e-bike riders and other trail users.
To address these concerns, some states and countries have implemented specific laws and regulations for electric bikes. For example, in the United States, electric bikes are classified into three categories based on their speed and power capabilities: Class 1 e-bikes have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph, Class 2 e-bikes have a maximum speed of 20 mph but can also be propelled without pedaling, and Class 3 e-bikes have a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph. These classifications help define where e-bikes are allowed to operate, such as on bike lanes, roads, or off-road trails.
In terms of trail safety, a study published in the Journal of Transport & Health found that e-bike riders tend to exhibit similar riding behaviors and crash patterns as traditional bicycle riders. However, e-bike riders have a higher average speed and may require longer stopping distances, which could pose challenges on crowded trails. Ensuring the safety of all trail users, regardless of their mode of transportation, is an essential consideration for city officials when formulating regulations.
As city officials in Lincoln work towards establishing clear guidelines for e-bike usage on trails, they are considering the experiences and concerns of both e-bike riders and other trail users. Striking a balance between promoting the benefits of e-bikes and maintaining trail safety is crucial for the successful integration of this emerging form of transportation into the city’s recreational infrastructure.
For more information on the electric bike industry and market forecasts, you can visit the following links:
– Grand View Research – Electric Bike Market
– Leisure Lakes Bikes – The E-Bike Revolution
– EBicycles.com – Electric Bicycle Market Stats
