Pennsylvania’s DCNR is Seeking Comments on their E-Bike Policy for Trails

As e-bike sales are rapidly increasing year after year, the Bicycle Coalition prepared its statement to answer frequently asked questions and listed its policy recommendations for the Greater Philadelphia area. The Bicycle Coalition supports the inclusivity of ridership among everyone and e-bikes are one way to appeal to a greater population.

The Bicycle Coalition supports the accessibility of cyclists to be able to ride comfortably on trails with safety being a priority. After reviewing different state parks and trails’ successes, we are able to incorporate some policies and recommendations we fully support into Pennsylvania trails. BCGP recommends trail managers and legislators to:

• Update the state vehicle code by properly defining the three-class system as outlined by People for Bikes’ one-pager that offers a Model Electric Bicycle Law with Classes.
• Set a speed limit for all trail users (we suggest 15 mph). The speed limit could be lowered where there are conflicts in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.
• Add trail etiquette signs at trailheads.
• Permit e-bikes and other low-speed personal vehicles on paved shared use paths with a posted speed limit.
• Display maps and/or regulations at trailheads to show where e-bikes are allowed.
• Publish maps to show where e-bikes are allowed on trails.

Please submit a comment today in favor of updating the electric assist regulations in PA to include speed limits on trails and an updated vehicle code that defines the three-class system. 

Note: We strongly encourage that you add a personal statement in the body segment showing “I care about this issue because” in the letter addressed to the DCNR.