E-Bikes

In April 2018, Steamboat Springs City Council passed Resolution 2018-18 approving Class 1 e-bikes on the Yampa River Core Trail and Walton Creek Trail. This resolution was implemented after a year-long trial period with minimal negative public input or feedback on e-bike usage. The city is reevaluating the use of electric bikes (e-bikes) on trails and updating current policies. As e-bike use increases, policies are shifting locally, nationally and internationally allowing more e-bike access on public lands.

Currently only Class 1 e-bikes are approved on the Yampa River Core Trail and Walton Creek Trail, yet Class 1 e-bikes are being used on soft surface trails throughout the city, including neighborhood trails and Emerald Mountain trails. Additionally, Class 2 e-bikes are being used daily on the Yampa River Core Trail and other trails throughout the City. E-bike classes:

• Class 1- Pedal assist- max assisted speed of 20 mph
• Class 2- Throttle assist- max assisted speed of 20 mph
• Class 3- Pedal assist- max assisted speed of 28 mph

E-bikes are becoming more widely accepted in more communities and we can learn from their experiences to proactively address e-bike usage.

PROJECT UPDATES:

February 12, 2020 (Session 3): At the Parks & Recreation Commission meeting, the Commission made the following motions:

1. Recommend a speed limit of 15 MPH on the Yampa River Core Trail, Walton Creek Trail, neighborhood trails and connector trails. APPROVED 5-0.
2. Recommend a two-year trial period allowing Class 2 e-bikes on the Yampa River Core Trail and Walton Creek Trail with a 15 MPH speed limit. APPROVED 5-0.
3. Recommend a two-year trial period allowing Class 1 e-bikes on the following trails: Blue Sage, Butcherknife, Tamarack Sneak, Bear Creek, and Fox Creek up to the overpass with a 15 MPH speed limit. APPROVED 5-0.
4. Motion to table the use of e-bikes on Emerald Mountain Trails to a future meeting until staff can research possible impacts to funding. APPROVED 5-0.
5. Motion to table the discussion of e-bike policy vs. ordinance until more data was available regarding ADA implications and all recommendations were made to City Council.

March 11, 2020 (Session 4): At the Parks & Recreation Commission meeting, Staff provided an overview of the previous 3 public meetings regarding e-bikes, including motions for recommendations to City Council on three items. Staff was directed to conduct additional research on possible impacts to funding if e-bikes were allowed on Emerald Mountain.

August 12, 2020 (Session 5): Staff will provide an overview of the process and motions made to date, as well as answers to the questions regarding funding and next steps.

October 14, 2020 (Session 6): During the Wednesday October 14 evening session, staff is requesting input specifically on if Class I e-bikes should be allowed on Emerald Mountain or designating specific trails on Emerald Mountain for use. The Parks & Recreation Commission will hold its final meeting discussing e-bikes this Wednesday, October 14 at 5:00pm online via Zoom. If you would like to participate, the link to the meeting is: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89184845739 E-bikes are the only scheduled agenda item, so the discussion will start promptly at 5:00pm. The meeting packet can be found at www.steamboatsprings.net/agendas.