Dr. Marcus Webb
Residents of Sioux Falls who own electric bikes are in for a treat this weekend as a new city ordinance amendment allows Class II e-bikes to join Class I e-bikes on the recreation trails. Starting Saturday, June 1, e-bike owners can finally take their bikes out for a ride on the Sioux Falls bike trails.
With safety as a top priority, e-bike users must adhere to a 15-mph speed limit and be cautious to prevent accidents or collisions. The city aims to ensure that everyone, whether they are walking, jogging, biking, or engaging in other activities, can enjoy the trails safely.
Brett Kollars, assistant director of Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation, emphasises the importance of courtesy and cooperation among all trail users. The trails are a shared amenity that caters to various recreational activities, not just biking.
To maintain safety on the trails, all users are requested to follow guidelines such as controlling speed, keeping to the right, yielding to pedestrians, and passing on the left with audible signals. Motorised vehicles not authorised to be on the trail, including class III e-bikes, electric scooters, electric one-wheels, fully electric and gas-powered mobility devices, electric pedal-less bikes, and all other motorised vehicles except Class I and Class II e-bikes are prohibited.
Sioux Falls boasts over 36 miles of paved trails, including 19 miles on the Greenway Recreation Main Trail Loop, providing ample opportunities for residents to enjoy the outdoors year-round.
As e-bike owners prepare to hit the trails, it is an exciting time for Sioux Falls residents embracing this new mode of transportation. Whether it’s a leisurely ride or a daily commute, electric bikes offer convenience, efficiency, and a fun way to explore the city. So grab your helmet and get ready to explore the beautiful Sioux Falls bike trails on your e-bike this weekend!
Residents of Sioux Falls are in for a treat as a city ordinance amendment allows Class II e-bikes to join Class I e-bikes on the recreation trails. This new regulation means that e-bike owners can finally take their bikes out for a ride on the Sioux Falls bike trails starting from Saturday, June 1.
The electric bike industry has been experiencing steady growth in recent years. E-bikes are gaining popularity as a mode of transportation due to their convenience, efficiency, and environmental friendliness. With the new ordinance in place, Sioux Falls residents now have even more options for travel and recreation.
Market forecasts suggest that the e-bike industry will continue to grow at a rapid pace. According to a report by Navigant Research, the global e-bike market is projected to reach $24.4 billion by 2025. This growth is driven by factors such as increasing urbanisation, government incentives, and the rising demand for eco-friendly transportation options.
However, the industry also faces challenges and issues that need to be addressed. One major concern is the safety of e-bike riders and other trail users. The city of Sioux Falls has implemented a 15-mph speed limit for e-bikes on the trails to mitigate the risk of accidents or collisions. It is crucial for e-bike owners to adhere to this speed limit and be cautious while riding to ensure the safety of everyone using the trails.
Another issue is the interaction between e-bike users, pedestrians, and other cyclists. To maintain safety on the trails, all users are requested to follow guidelines such as controlling speed, yielding to pedestrians, and passing with audible signals. Cooperation and courtesy are essential to ensure that everyone can enjoy the trails safely.
Sioux Falls is known for its extensive trail system, with over 36 miles of paved trails, including the 19-mile Greenway Recreation Main Trail Loop. This provides ample opportunities for residents to explore the outdoors and enjoy recreational activities throughout the year. The addition of e-bikes to the trail system expands the options for residents and encourages the use of sustainable modes of transportation.
As the popularity of electric bikes continues to grow, more cities around the world are implementing regulations to accommodate e-bike riders. The new ordinance in Sioux Falls is a positive step towards creating a more inclusive and accessible trail system for all types of cyclists.
For more information about the Sioux Falls trail system and recreational activities in the area, visit the official Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation website here.
