I don’t think people care about what kind of bike is ridden but we do care how much and how many people ride. Ebikes allow one to ride more distance in a given time frame. More trail time, more wear and tear. More people more wear and tear and more potential for conflict with non riders. Some places aren’t crowded so it’s not a big deal at all other places are already crowded at trail heads and it could be a problem. I know. That’s the argument hikers used against us riders way back. And you know what, bikers stepped up and formed associations and did and do a lot of trail work now to build and maintain those trails. Now a “new” group wants in. Fair enough. Most of those ebikes will probably join NSMBA or their local association and may even come out on trail days. That’s good but it still means more people out there. I’ve noticed even hiking this summer there are far more people. Probably COVID and park restrictions related but I do know outdoor activities in general are more popular. Kind of rambling I know but there are potential issues out there and we should be ready to address those ahead of time.
Oct. 4, 2020, 10:52 p.m. - Andy Eunson
I don’t think people care about what kind of bike is ridden but we do care how much and how many people ride. Ebikes allow one to ride more distance in a given time frame. More trail time, more wear and tear. More people more wear and tear and more potential for conflict with non riders. Some places aren’t crowded so it’s not a big deal at all other places are already crowded at trail heads and it could be a problem. I know. That’s the argument hikers used against us riders way back. And you know what, bikers stepped up and formed associations and did and do a lot of trail work now to build and maintain those trails. Now a “new” group wants in. Fair enough. Most of those ebikes will probably join NSMBA or their local association and may even come out on trail days. That’s good but it still means more people out there. I’ve noticed even hiking this summer there are far more people. Probably COVID and park restrictions related but I do know outdoor activities in general are more popular. Kind of rambling I know but there are potential issues out there and we should be ready to address those ahead of time.