Three Rivers set to add Electric Bikes to trail mix

[liteCycles]

Yes!

"Arguing that power-assisted, pedaled electric bikes are not motorized vehicles, Three Rivers Park District staff is recommending that the board welcome them to its trails and hoping that cities with connecting trails will follow suit.
So far Bloomington, Eden Prairie and Plymouth are considering updating city bike ordinances in favor of the e-bike. Minneapolis says electric bikes belong on the parkways with other motorized traffic. St. Paul has yet to take up the issue."
http://www.startribune.com/local/west/94793174.html

The west metro has open spaces and a fairly affluent, somewhat older population - perfect environment for enjoying the benefits of recreational e-biking. I've been spotting a lot of e-bikers this year. But since I'm not on the trails the ones I do see appear to be commuters like me. My guess would be that there are already some e-bikers on the trails just riding low key (the way it should be!).
http://www.city-data.com/city/Wayzata-Minnesota.html

In Minnesota Electric-Assisted Bicycles are basically 20mph max and up to 1000W. While Motorized-Bicycles are 30mph max and up to 1500W.
http://www.dps.state.mn.us/dvs/DLTraining/DLManual/PDF/MotorcycleManual.pdf

If you are from the area please voice your support!

 

[dogman dan]

I keep telling people on the local trials that my bike is legal to ride on them, And they are buying it! But I make sure not to show up with more than the fed definition of ebike and make that claim. When I get the 72v lipo, I'll just stick to the jeep roads.

There is no reason a 20 mph bike, OR A BIKE RIDDEN AT 20 MPH BY A COURTEOUS RIDER, couldn't share the trails and paths in harmony. A jackass is a jackass, pedaling or motor.

 

[drewdiller]

I live in Saint Paul, and commute daily, 15 miles round trip in summer, 17 miles round trip in winter, on a 350W hub motor retrofit, through the Warner Road trail and Battle Creek trails (the latter has NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES signs at the entrances). On some sections of trail, it's easy for an average human to get up to a dangerous speed, given the tight turns and blind corners around trees, so really, I just have to use my brain like everyone else.

I've had _one_ cyclist ask me about it. Another cyclist gave me a dispproving expression. Everyone else seems pretty cool with it.

I think this is awesome.

 

[dogman dan]

Paint out the IZED at the end of motorized on the signs. Do it daily if you have to.

 

[drewdiller]

Meh, I'm just going to keep doing what I'm doing. My freewheel might be louder than my hub motor. Given the frequency of people roller blading with ear buds or headphones, getting people to hear me on _any_ bike is a challenge.

 

[liteCycles]

I emailed each of the Commissioners at http://www.threeriversparks.org/about/board-commissioners/contact.aspx and received a response back that they will be contacting me.

But I am wondering. Anyone on here have legal paved ebike trails/paths in a suburban setting where you live?