Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) is proposing a rule change that would allow electric bicycles or “e-bikes” to be used on certain OPRD trails and roads. The proposed amendment would allow e-bikes to be used on trails and roads that are eight feet or wider, and along select areas of the ocean shore. OPRD invites public comments on the proposed rule change.
E-bikes are defined under Oregon law as vehicles that have electric motors under 1,000 watts and travel less than 20 mph. E-bikes are currently not allowed on OPRD managed roads or trails, but the proposed amendment would give state parks flexibility to govern e-bike use on park property.
For example e-bikes would not be allowed to operate on coastal trails within western snowy plover management areas, but may have leeway on trails that narrow from the eight feet or wider rule.
Comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. May 18, 2018. Comments can be submitted online at www.oregon.gov/OPRD/RULES/pages/index.aspx; in writing to OPRD, attn. Katie Gauthier, 725 Summer St NE, Suite C, Salem; or via email to E.publicE.publiccomment@oregon.gov or OPRE.publiccomment@oregon.gov
OPRD will review all submitted comments and present a final recommended rule to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission. The commission will review the rule at its June 2018 meeting.
Press Release from Oregon Parks and Recreation 4/3/18
