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Troy Greenberg's avatar

When we refer to "Electric bicycles" we are usually making a category error. The proper category is actually "Electric motorcycle with pedals". The pedals of most electric bikes are unused, and serve as foot pegs. We don't allow motorcycles on hiking trails, but bolt some pedals to the frame, and electrify it; suddenly it's a bicycle????

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CarsAreBasic's avatar

CAB warned the public when the E bikes hit the streets. You see repeated violations of law by theses assisted bike riders. Where has been the Bike Guys now known as Move? Where are the objections to the lack of enforcement on streets of what amounts to mopeds traveling in excess of bike path speeds and such?

This issue of E bikes and bikes in general on the rural trails is a serious issue. Mountain bikes have been a serious issue of degradation of the environment (tearing out of vegetation and changing trails as a result). The Board of Supervisors hired a group at close to $1.0 million to review this issue and "active" transportation in the county. Supervisor Hartman promoted a group to review this issue and when they did not agree with the heavy trail use by bikes and motorcycles (gas or electric) the outcomes were quietly dismissed.

Los Padres Trail Riders were also hurt by the City of Santa Barbara closing of State St. that was a massive draw for equestrian groups that helped encourage LPTR. The historic use and protection of the trails is being destroyed by Sacramento demands for high density infill.

Look around you. Where is the demand that trails are protected from mechanical vehicles? The enforcement agencies know there is no support from elected officials and as a result are seldom around.

LPTR is not the canary in the mine, it is the hammer on what is becoming Mega-metropolis because of high density demands by Sacramento.

Now back to the dangerous e-bikes on city streets.

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