Electrical Bicycle Use in Cuyahoga Valley National Park Follow-Up

In September, the National Park Service (NPS) implemented new regulations on bicycle use in National Parks. These new regulations allow three classes of electric bikes (e-bikes) to be used on the same trails as traditional bikes.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park implemented a draft compendium to gather more data on how to implement this change on the park's existing bike trails. The regulation allows Park superintendents to tailor the use of e-bikes by bike class or by trail in consideration of safety concerns, resource protection needs or other conflicting uses.

On Monday, September 30, Cuyahoga Valley National Park applied local policy regarding the use. After a few months of implementing local policy, the Superintendent is seeking further public comments before making final adjustments to the compendium.

Currently, the park has allowed the use of type I and II (but not type III) e-bikes on all existing bike trails exclusive of the East Rim mountain bike trails. The park also established a 15 mph speed limit on the Towpath trail.

Definition of e-bikes: An e-bike is a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.) that provides propulsion assistance. E-bikes are categorized into three classes:

Class 1 electric bicycle shall mean an eclectic bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour;

Class 2 electric bicycle shall mean an eclectic bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour; and

Class 3 electric bicycle shall mean an eclectic bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour.

Traditional bikes are authorized on the following trails:

• East Rim Trails
• Old Carriage Connector Trail
• The Towpath Trail
• Carriage Trail Connector (paved section).
• Stanford House Connector Trail
• Hail Farm Connector Trail
• Everett Covered Bridge
• Old Stanford Roadbed
• Old Akron-Peninsula Roadbed
• Hemlock Trail

Topic Questions Instructions:

Taking into consideration public health and safety, natural and cultural resource protection, and other activities, please provide your input on these questions.

Topic Questions:

1. Have you ever ridden an e-bike? Please answer YES or NO.

2. In the recent months, have you experienced e-bike use on our bike trails? Please answer YES or NO.

3. Are there any visitor experiences or resource protection issues specific to e-bikes we should consider in finalizing our local policy?

4. After experiencing e-bikes on our trails over the last few months, are there bike trails on which the NPS should consider limiting or prohibiting before finalizing local policy and why?

5. Do you support speed limits on the Towpath? Please answer YES or NO.

Document Content:

Electrical Bicycle Use in Cuyahoga Valley National Park Follow Up.pdf   (462.5 KB, PDF file) Disclaimer: Links within the above document(s) were valid as of the date published. Note: Some of the files may be in PDF format and can be viewed using the Adobe Acrobat Reader software. You may download a free copy of from Adobe Systems.