Electric bicycle rules on walking path

[SC Maintenance]

The argument for throttles is by those who are elderly or otherwise weak. Their feelings are when they need to cross a street and come to a complete stop-when they need to start moving again they use the throttle to get going and then go back to peddle assist. That's the argument. Yes-I would agree there are those "motorcycle looking" e-bikes that zip along (via throttle) without regard for anybody-it seems.

I agree. Throttle or no throttle is irrelevant. There should be a speed limit for everyone - the e-bike crowd along with Lance Armstrong EPO wannabees. I have no problem if someone otherwise unable tools along on their e-bike without peddling, enjoying the ride. Those in a hurry to get somewhere need to be on the street with others in a hurry to get somewhere.

 

[Number_35]

I agree. Throttle or no throttle is irrelevant. There should be a speed limit for everyone - the e-bike crowd along with Lance Armstrong EPO wannabees. I have no problem if someone otherwise unable tools along on their e-bike without peddling, enjoying the ride. Those in a hurry to get somewhere need to be on the street with others in a hurry to get somewhere.

We saw just that on our recent Colorado trip - 15 MPH speed limit on the trails, and only Class 1 and 2 e-bikes allowed. (Class 1 and 2 are limited to 20 MPH. Class 3 can get up to 28 MPH.)

Agreed that cyclists on conventional bikes should also be restricted to the same speed on the shared trails.

 

[KrisZ]

There should be a simple speed limit of 10-15 mph. That’s it.

It’s easy to spot the speeders, nobody is going to check how an e-bike operates.

Also, why share walk paths with bike paths? If Europe can separate the two for the most part, why can’t the NA with so much more room to go around?

 

[blkwtr]

We cycled parts of the Paul Bunyan and Heartland trails in north-central Minnesota in May, and would say that we were in the minority with our old human-powered bikes.

I agree that trails shared by walkers, runners, scooters, bikes, and e-bikes are not ideal.

Our newer local paved trails are marked with two lanes for bikes and one for pedestrians, which seems to work well.

When cycling and overtaking a pedestrian, I try to give lots of warning with the bell, and call out "Bike passing on your left".

Unfortunately, a lot of pedestrians wear headphones and don't hear me.

I see a lot of pedestrians that don't know their left from their right. They have the "right of way." When you call out "on your left" they may turn and walk right into you.

 

[Number_35]

I see a lot of pedestrians that don't know their left from their right. They have the "right of way." When you call out "on your left" they may turn and walk right into you.

Yup, lots of that here too.

 

[CKN]

Nine times out of ten I see fat-a**, out of shape lazy people riding these E-bikes on the bike trails. Comical. They need to get a life and step away from that dinner plate.

I did 28 miles (on the lowest setting) on my (peddle assist) e-bike last Saturday. You can't do that even on an e-bike if you are out of shape.

 

[Number_35]

We cycled parts of the Paul Bunyan and Heartland trails in north-central Minnesota in May, and would say that we were in the minority with our old human-powered bikes.

I agree that trails shared by walkers, runners, scooters, bikes, and e-bikes are not ideal.

Our newer local paved trails are marked with two lanes for bikes and one for pedestrians, which seems to work well.

When cycling and overtaking a pedestrian, I try to give lots of warning with the bell, and call out "Bike passing on your left".

Unfortunately, a lot of pedestrians wear headphones and don't hear me.

Coincidentally enough, we rode out for breakfast this morning, partly on such a divided trail:

The green line separates the two bike lanes from the pedestrian lane.

 

[andrewg]

I did 28 miles (on the lowest setting) on my (peddle assist) e-bike last Saturday. You can't do that even on an e-bike if you are out of shape.

Well, not to be rude....but you didn't do 28 miles on your own....so it's not really cycling. If you truly want to get into shape and improve your health....get a real bike. Just my opinion.

 

[JTK]

My knowledge of e-bikes is basically what I've learned from BITOG. I wonder if 500w is enough for a really good quality e-bike, where as a ~$1500 conventional bicycle is so much easier for the rider than a $150 walmart bike.

 

[CKN]

Well, not to be rude....but you didn't do 28 miles on your own....so it's not really cycling. If you truly want to get into shape and improve your health....get a real bike. Just my opinion.

You have a misconception-or you either don't like e-bikes. I used the minimal assist to achieve 28 miles-it's barley any help at all on the lowest setting.

Did I get exercise? Absolutely. Did I get cardio? Absolutely. Did I burn as many calories as somebody riding a regular bikes? No. Did I still burn plenty of calories? Yes.

 

[Number_35]

You have a misconception-or you either don't like e-bikes. I used the minimal assist to achieve 28 miles-it's barley any help at all on the lowest setting.

Did I get exercise? Absolutely. Did I get cardio? Absolutely. Did I burn as many calories as somebody riding a regular bikes? No. Did I still burn plenty of calories? Yes.

For sure - let's say you getting 3/4 of the exercise on your e-bike that you would on a conventional bike - that means you still rode the equivalent of 21 miles, which is great.

 

[tcp71]

I have a pedal-assist E-bike for some of my commuting. Class 1, 250 watt integrated Bosch motor. I ride it every second day on my 25 mile daily commute, mainly on the lowest "eco" setting. The other commuting bike is a rocky mountain hardtail. Combined they see 125miles/week (200kms).

In 2018 I bought a pedal assist full suspension bike for our younger son who was going through cancer treatments so, when he was feeling up for it, could come for rides and keep up with us (me, mom and older brother). Don't be too quick to judge.

There are plenty of douchebags running unclassed (500, 750, etc watts) throttle bikes everywhere, but a mid-drive ebike doesn't need any more than 250 watts on any terrain. You have gears to give you mechanical advantage and 80nm of torque will climb a 30% grade all day...geared properly and at reduced speed.

 

[Number_35]

I have a pedal-assist E-bike for some of my commuting. Class 1, 250 watt integrated Bosch motor. I ride it every second day on my 25 mile daily commute, mainly on the lowest "eco" setting. The other commuting bike is a rocky mountain hardtail. Combined they see 125miles/week (200kms).

In 2018 I bought a pedal assist full suspension bike for our younger son who was going through cancer treatments so, when he was feeling up for it, could come for rides and keep up with us (me, mom and older brother). Don't be too quick to judge.

There are plenty of douchebags running unclassed (500, 750, etc watts) throttle bikes everywhere, but a mid-drive ebike doesn't need any more than 250 watts on any terrain. You have gears to give you mechanical advantage and 80nm of torque will climb a 30% grade all day...geared properly and at reduced speed.

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I hope your son is well now!

E-bikes allow a lot more people to cycle than would or could otherwise.

My wife and I talk about moving to e-bikes in the next few years.

 

[PimTac]

This is true. Pedestrians/joggers with earbuds are AN ISSUE.

I wear earbuds to hear better.

 

[andrewg]

You have a misconception-or you either don't like e-bikes. I used the minimal assist to achieve 28 miles-it's barley any help at all on the lowest setting.

Did I get exercise? Absolutely. Did I get cardio? Absolutely. Did I burn as many calories as somebody riding a regular bikes? No. Did I still burn plenty of calories? Yes.

Then why not just get a real bike and enjoy the benefits that entails....which are above and beyond an E-bike? Why is it necessary to have any assist? Plenty of gearing on bikes allows for the ability of even the most out of shape to climb a hill. I just don't get it.

 

[CKN]

Then why not just get a real bike and enjoy the benefits that entails....which are above and beyond an E-bike? Why is it necessary to have any assist? Plenty of gearing on bikes allows for the ability of even the most out of shape to climb a hill. I just don't get it.

Because those of us that are older than you need e-assist to climb mountains. I am great shape-but climbing the side of a mountain on a regular bike is a bit much. It's incredible what at I can do gearing down in FULL assist if I have too. Do you get it now? Respectfully-or do I need to explain more?

 

[andrewg]

Because those of us that are older than you need e-assist to climb mountains. I am great shape-but climbing the side of a mountain on a regular bike is a bit much. It's incredible what at I can do gearing down in FULL assist if I have too. Do you get it now? Respectfully-or do I need to explain more?

So....in essence....you feel that you need help when cycling? That's what it boils down to, right? That's fine if that's what you feel is needed. I'm no spring chicken myself...I'm 60. But I'll be darned if I'll ever get on a bike that helps me along. Just not my idea of cycling....but to each his/her own.

 

[BigCahuna]

Do they really think people are going to obey what a sign in the middle of nowhere says ?. And will they have radar setup on the side of a mountain where someone may, or my not be riding an electric vehicle?. Heck, people don't obey traffic laws on crowded public streets, why would they give a thought to a sign out in the woods ?.,,,

 

[tcp71]

Do they really think people are going to obey what a sign in the middle of nowhere says ?. And will they have radar setup on the side of a mountain where someone may, or my not be riding an electric vehicle?. Heck, people don't obey traffic laws on crowded public streets, why would they give a thought to a sign out in the woods ?.,,,

Generally they don't. This is a pretty popular weekend park that can have several hundred people milling about. Limited trails means congestion and interactions.

Calgary by-laws only allow class 1 pedal assist e-bikes only (with a max speed 12MPH regardless of bike type) on pedestrian/bike pathways within the city, but like you said, enforcement is spotty at best and there are a bunch of people ripping around on cheap import ebikes with throttles and no speed regulation. On my commuter, it will provide assist until you hit 20mph and then not help you while going faster than that. Fine for the road, but on a path even that speed is above the posted speed.

 

[tcp71]

So....in essence....you feel that you need help when cycling? That's what it boils down to, right? That's fine if that's what you feel is needed. I'm no spring chicken myself...I'm 60. But I'll be darned if I'll ever get on a bike that helps me along. Just not my idea of cycling....but to each his/her own.

to each his own. There is a case to be made when you are climbing 5000-6000 feet of elevation on very technical mountain trails here in the rockies. You can do a lot longer rides and enjoy the downhill features without being exhausted and crashing. It's a different ride that opens doors to new experiences. Please tell these guys how they are bunch of pussies...

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