#!markdown
Yay I was quoted!
Cam, not sure if you read my comment that was quoted above, but can you give
the Rowboat -> Motorboat analogy some thought? This definition is pretty
cut and dry in the boating world, and kind of where I see it on land as well.
Things with motors tend to be lumped together by definition in their
classifications, because, well, they are motorized whether or not the motor is
the principal source of propulsion.
All the debate about the effects and merits of pedelecs vs mountain bikes is
interesting and all, but does not address the real matter, which is that you
have added a motor. It HAS to be classified as such.
Now, this is where it gets more interesting. Is it fair that all Motorized
vehicles get lumped together in regards to access? No, it is not. Is it fair
that a trials motorbike falls under the same restrictions as a 4×4? Or a kids
50cc dirtbike under the same class as a 500cc? But generally speaking, it is
just the way it is. Where there are exceptions, is looking at purpose built or
designated areas where the nuances between motorized vehicles can be
classified further, regulated, and enforced.
Would I realistically mind sharing my trails with pedelecs? In their current
state? No, not really, because I personally know what they are and know what
they are not. I can make that distinction. But I want them to earn the right
to be there all on their own, because at the end of the day, they are
motorized, no matter how similar in appearance, speed, and enviro impact they
are to my human powered bicycle. Blurring that distinction when it comes to
advocacy and land access is not a chance I am willing to take, and a door I
believe should not be opened. They have to remain separate and managed
separately. The resistance to this clear and independent distinction is what
causes me the most concern. So far, the largest examples of land management
bodies have made a clear stance that these belong firmly in the "motorized"
category. Do you really want to climb aboard that train and see where it takes
you? Especially as these pedelecs progress over time.
Jan. 12, 2017, 11:36 a.m. - Metacomet
#!markdown Yay I was quoted! Cam, not sure if you read my comment that was quoted above, but can you give the Rowboat -> Motorboat analogy some thought? This definition is pretty cut and dry in the boating world, and kind of where I see it on land as well. Things with motors tend to be lumped together by definition in their classifications, because, well, they are motorized whether or not the motor is the principal source of propulsion. All the debate about the effects and merits of pedelecs vs mountain bikes is interesting and all, but does not address the real matter, which is that you have added a motor. It HAS to be classified as such. Now, this is where it gets more interesting. Is it fair that all Motorized vehicles get lumped together in regards to access? No, it is not. Is it fair that a trials motorbike falls under the same restrictions as a 4×4? Or a kids 50cc dirtbike under the same class as a 500cc? But generally speaking, it is just the way it is. Where there are exceptions, is looking at purpose built or designated areas where the nuances between motorized vehicles can be classified further, regulated, and enforced. Would I realistically mind sharing my trails with pedelecs? In their current state? No, not really, because I personally know what they are and know what they are not. I can make that distinction. But I want them to earn the right to be there all on their own, because at the end of the day, they are motorized, no matter how similar in appearance, speed, and enviro impact they are to my human powered bicycle. Blurring that distinction when it comes to advocacy and land access is not a chance I am willing to take, and a door I believe should not be opened. They have to remain separate and managed separately. The resistance to this clear and independent distinction is what causes me the most concern. So far, the largest examples of land management bodies have made a clear stance that these belong firmly in the "motorized" category. Do you really want to climb aboard that train and see where it takes you? Especially as these pedelecs progress over time.