Pondering e-bikes on Sisters trails

Managers of the Deschutes National Forest are asking for public comment on a draft change in administrative rules that would allow approximately 160 miles of trails to be freed for use by Class 1 e-bikes. Currently, no e-bikes of any class are allowed in the Forest except on roads shared with other motorized vehicles.

E-bikers say this is dangerous, often confronting high speed UTV and ATV users on narrow roads. Conversely, some non-e-bike users and pedestrians say that it is often dangerous to share the trail with the growing number of e-bikers.

Tensions may rise as the Forest Service seeks to accommodate all users equitably. Already, several longstanding, outspoken critics have increased their objections. Most are centered in Bend. Sides are forming on social media. The conflict in Sisters Country appears tame in comparison, but not without vocal opponents and proponents.

Photo by Bill Bartlett

Class 1 e-bikes may be allowed on trails in Sisters Country. Comment at https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public//CommentInput?Project=66475.

What is a Class 1 e-bike?

A Class 1 e-bike is a bicycle with a battery and electric motor that only functions - providing propulsion - when the rider is pedaling. It will not move forward on its own as a Class 2 e-bike could, one with a thumb activated throttle that requires no pedaling from the rider. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are engineered to cut power to the bike when reaching 20 mph. A Class 3 bike, also pedal assist - no throttle - will shut off at 28 mph.

Brad Boyd, owner of Eurosports, one of two bike shops in Sisters, says that misunderstanding of definition is a big part of the problem.

"People lump all e-bikes together and most assume they are all electric motor bikes going at any speed they want," he said.

Boyd doesn't plan to comment publicly to the Forest Service, but is supportive of Class 1 e-bikes being given more range

"The forest is no longer used for extraction (timber, mining). Its use now is mostly for recreation and habitat," he said. "I'm for getting more people into healthy recreation."

Boyd points to the number of older riders wanting to extend their cycling enjoyment into their 80s or beyond and sees no problem with them getting an assist. Terry Lake is one such rider.

At 86 she can no longer manage her favorite runs.

"At least not without a lot of pain and swelling," she said. "I've been riding my e-bike on darned near all the trails run by the Trails folk [Sisters Trails Alliance]. I guess I'm breaking the law but so many of us are that I kinda just pedal on through hoping nobody says anything.

"Most people are actually surprised when I tell them it's an e-bike because they see me pedaling and just assume I'm on a regular bike." What she most often hears is the fear by fellow older trail users of young riders "mowing us down on some jet-fired bike."

She is proud to say that only a few years ago it was nothing for her to hit 25 or more on an all-pedal bike.

"It's not the battery that'll hurt you, it's lack of common sense," she said.

For their part STA will be making formal comment but not until after its board of directors meets July 25. Stephanie Presley, their recently hired executive director, would not say which way the organization might be leaning.

Blazin Saddles, the other Sisters bike shop, holds a similar view as Boyd's.

Owner Casey Meudt said, "As long as there is thoughtful planning between our local trail advocacy groups and the land managers in our area, we see a lot of benefits of e-bikes. In our opinion, not all e-bikes should be allowed to ride anywhere and everywhere. There are some e-bikes that exceed safe speeds on trails and paths. Riders are limited by their skills on how fast they navigate the trails, so just because the bike goes 20 mph, doesn't mean people will always go 20 mph.

"Our personal experience, while riding bikes and hiking in areas that allow class 1 e-bikes on their trails, has been all trail users were able to share and enjoy the trails together, without conflict. Based on official land manager reports, from areas that allow Class 1 e- bikes on trails, the fear of change was much greater than any notable negative impact."

He noted that, "E-bikes have allowed people to continue riding bikes later in life, people with injuries or disabilities to ride, people of different levels of fitness to all ride together, the list goes on!"

Meudt pointed out as the photo here illustrates that e-bikes and standard bikes are not easily distinguishable in appearance as design technology has virtually concealed the battery.

Boyd likens the controversy to when snowboards first appeared on the scene with people promulgating all sorts of gloomy scenarios.

"Snow boards may have saved the ski industry," he said.