E-Bikes in Cos: An Update
On Wednesday, September 4th, Colorado Springs TOPS Manager, Lonna Theilen, made a presentation to the TOPS working committee on the results from a recent survey which sought to gauge Colorado Springs resident sentiments around legalization of Class 1 and 2 mountain bikes (e-mountain bikes) on TOPS properties. For proponents of legalization like COSMBA, the results were optimistic. The survey found that out of approximately 3500 respondents in El Paso County, 60% were in favor of legalizing class 1 e-mountain bikes. A majority were also either in favor of or ambivalent about inclusion of both class 1 and 2 e-mountain bikes on soft surface trails.
As stated by Lonna, this presentation was the first step towards policy creation that the Parks team is aiming to present to two citizen boards in October. What that policy will entail, as well as the enforcement mechanisms behind it, are unclear.
While the recent survey conducted by the city revealed some differing opinions, there is a clear trend towards seeing electric bicycle usage on Colorado Springs trails as safe, practical, and equitable. For these reasons, COSMBA feels compelled to advocate in favor of expanding our trails to include class 1 usage on ALL trails in the city.
The Colorado Springs Gazette also covered the survey results. That article can be found here.
COSMBA e-bike group ride in North Cheyenne Canyon - 2023
What do you think about e-mountain bikes?
If you’re interested in building upon you current opinion, use some of the links below to dive deeper into the subject.
Are e-bikes safe to have on trails?
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0001457515001992
Do they cause more damage than analog bicycles?
https://www.bikemag.com/news/e-bike-damage-discussion
How does the state of Colorado classify e-bikes?
https://leg.colorado.gov/content/electric-bicycles#:~:text=Unless%20otherwise%20restricted%2C%20Class%201,pedestrian%20paths%20as%20conventional%20bicycles.
How are e-mountain bikes “Classified?”
COSMBA is advocating in favor of full trail access for class one mountain bikes for a few reasons.
#1 - "Banning class 1 mountain bikes unfairly discriminates against individuals such as aging athletes, who rely on pedal assistance to enjoy outdoor spaces on two wheels."
#2 - "The e-mountain bike market is a crucial component of the mountain biking culture, industry, and local economy in Colorado Springs. Pedal assist bikes make up approximately 40% of mountain bike sales in local shops, providing a significant source of income that supports jobs and business operations. Additionally, Colorado Springs is home to a major portion of the SRAM corporation, which employs over 200 people, many of whom work on developing e-mountain bike components."
#3 – Class 1 mountain bikes are just fun. They allow us to spend more time on trails, unlock back country routes, and can often negate the need for a shuttle from home.
As Colorado Springs continues to navigate the complexities of e-bike regulation, it is essential to prioritize the current and future needs and preferences of the community. By adopting a policy that enables safe and responsible e-bike usage, the city can position itself as a leader in progressive legislation and innovation on the technology. Failure to look ahead and plan for these needs could result in missed opportunities, investments, and equitable trail experiences for all residents of Colorado Springs, as well as encourage illegal use of e-mountain bikes in these protected areas.
