THIS JUT IN..... Hi All... I am pleased to report that tonight the NRD board approved changes to their operational manual, one revision that now adds electric-assist bicycle to its definition of bicycle. This means that eBikes that meet the standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Act of 2002 will be allowed access to NRD managed trails. The eBike provision was the most discussed topic of the board meeting tonight at NRD HdQ at Chalco Lake. A representative of THOR (trailshaveourrespect.org/partners/} asked that the board wait to see how Boulder, Co decides on eBike use on their trail system. I also testified noting that Toronto has already decided to allow electric-assist bicycles on their city trail system (electric mopeds, however are not allowed). I quoted an interview that I did in May 2013 with Rails-to-Trails Conservancy President Keith Laughlin who stated when asked about his organizations policy on eBikes on R2T trails: We do not have any problem at all with an electric-assist bike that is a basically street-legal, non-registered vehicle… that has a maximum speed of 20 mph, and its not … a moped device. Its really an authentic bicycle with a motor assist like a hybrid. And so we have absolutely no problem with those kinds of vehicles on our trails. We do not support motorcycles on our trails, but see there being a very distinct line between these two types of technology. --- Keith Laughlin, President, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, May 2013. evworld/focus.cfm?cid=143 I noted that 18% of the US population claims to have ridden a bicycle in the last 12 months (2012 survey). Thats 82% who havent ridden a bicycle. Allowing riders access to NRD trails on electric-assist bicycles provides them a safe place to ride and build their confidence and skills. But in the end, it was Director Jim Thompson, who championed the change, and Director Tim Fowler who supported the policy change on behalf of our wounded warriors that I think made the difference. In the end, the board voted unanimously for the changes, including Director Patrick Bonnett, who wanted to amend the change to allow more public input. E-Bikes are now permitted on NRD managed trails. Thanks to everyone, Jim Thompson and Eric Williams, in particular, for your help and support in this exciting change. Bill ****************************** Bill Moore, Publisher EV WORLD.COM evworld Papillion, NE 68046 United States of Americans Putting Solar Power on the White House ******************************
Posted on: Fri, 12 Dec 2014 06:12:34 +0000
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