This may be a change that is actually no change but a new NPS policy will allow you to use e-bikes on NPS trails like the Mt. Vernon or Rock Creek Park trails. From what I've seen, people were already doing that and no one was getting ticketed or stopped. But if you're a vigilant rule-follower, you can now join your more rule-resistant counterparts on the trails with your e-bike.
Previously, electric bicycles where often forbidden from cycling trails in national parks, though Class 1 e-bikes were allowed in some areas.
The new law allows all three classes of e-bikes to ride on cycling trails in national parks, though Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed to use the throttle control. Those e-bikes must be pedaled like standard Class 1 e-bikes while on national park trails. Thus far it appears this will be handled on the honor system.
As Arlnow points out, this should make Captain Kirk happy.
As noted, this was happening even without the change. That being said, it does change the quality of trail use for slower users.
Posted by: Crickey | November 04, 2019 at 03:26 PM