Whether to allow e-bikes on our Burlington Greenway has become a hot topic. Like the uproar of a few years ago concerning Segways, which eventually were allowed, the latest hoopla has already taken hold. The sheer numbers of rented e-bikes integrated onto an already busy path (busiest in Vermont) has brought the discussion to the forefront once again.
Mostly, a few vocal people are concerned with speed. E-bikes can go 20+ m.p.h. - the same speed that non-motorized racers zip by me! I stay clear of the discussions. preferring to let nature take it's course. The e-bike movement is backed by Local Motion and numerous bike shops who have been renting e-bikes all summer to tourists - the same folks I share the waterfront path with all summer - who as far as I can see are considerate path users.
And then there are e-scooters (I saw the coolest e-Razor scooter with a large deck and rear shopping crate) and e-skateboards that our teenagers use for transportation, both lacking public controversy probably overshadowed by the explosion of e-bikes nationwide.
Like the general consensus, I believe e-mobility is here to stay and users should be allowed equal access to segregated paths while practicing basic safety and be considerate of all path users.
Trying to regulate, monitor users with policing or ticketing only creates animosity to a growing population of people who benefit from a boost in mobility, especially folks who wouldn't be able to enjoy two wheels without it.
My son and I are looking forward to trying out a Rad Mini, one of the many electric bikes that Local Motion loan out to interested people, excited to ride on dirt trails. And while I'm not in the market for an electric bicycle, it's clear the e-revolution is here to stay.
Here in the Queen City, we used to have a bicycle delivery service that eventually succumbed to the automobile because of our hilly terrain. Who knows what'll happen with delivery services going forward? Perhaps we'll once again find packages delivered by bicycle...e-bicycle!
Way to roll with it, Annie. I wish everyone could be as laid back!
ReplyDeleteI am thinking of taking an ebike ride on a Lime bike as part of Coffeeneuring season. I like the bike share idea but the undocked Lime bikes litter the streets of Seattle so I am a bit conflicted but I do want to try the e-assist.
ReplyDeleteRyan, Burlington also started it's first bike share program this summer, that's popular with tourists and locals alike. For 50.00/year for two 30 minute sessions, it's pretty affordable. These are dockable pedal powered bikes. I've been meaning to try these bikes, and without an annual fee, 2.00/30 mins. would be perfect for a nearby coffeeneuring ride.
DeleteCorrection: Above should read " 50.00/year for two 30 minute sessions, DAILY." The program is geared towards commuters.
DeleteWe recently had the e-bike debate in our area. The old school roadies were seemingly very concerned about e-bikes. Here in AZ, we updated our state law on e-bikes earlier this year to be similar to the federal law. The city then updated to conform with the state law and also allow the Class 1 e-bikes (20 mph and less top speed) on our bike paths.
ReplyDeleteLike you say, the 20 mph limit is no faster than the roadie groups ride. Most of the e-bikes we see on the bike path are ridden by an older set - not going anywhere near as fast as 20 mph. It's really the roadie groups riding fast that we find present a speed issue.
We used to live in Seattle, home of the Rad Power bikes, and saw many of those. People we know that had the Rad Mini (and Rad City), liked them a lot. I think you are right, we all need to accept e-bikes are here to stay and they do afford those with physical limitations to get out and ride.
There are other "hazards" on the path, including little tykes just learning to ride, but we all give them a wide berth. I love to compliment their riding skills as I slowly pass, ringing my bell!
DeleteMe too! I always give the tykes on bikes a compliment and a bell ring I see little girls with pony tails and pink helmets and think wasn't that my (15 year-old) daughter a second ago?
DeleteUk road ebikes are limited to 15mph but electric MtB's have no limit. Lots of cycle delivery guys use ebikes here, and as you say who can blame them. We were only talking about e bikes on our ride today and as we're an "old" riders club some have gone down the e route and I'm sure more will follow. Its the logical way to still go out riding with friends and enjoy the countryside.
ReplyDeleteI am with you in being welcoming to e-bikes. Do we want more cars or more bikes? The question answers itself.
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