Photo courtesy of Colorado Public Radio.
The Fairfax County Park Authority and Northern Virginia Park Authority are holding a joint public hearing on Thursday, February 7, on proposed changes to regulations on the use of e-bikes on park trails in northern Virginia.
Under the proposal, the regulation would define an e-bike and clarify distinctions between e-bikes and mopeds. E-bikes would be allowed anywhere traditional pedal-powered bikes are allowed. Mopeds would be allowed only where motor vehicles are permitted.
FABB supports pedal-assist e-bikes (Class 1) and throttle-assist (Class 2) e-bikes on shared-use park trails in Fairfax County parks and anywhere traditional pedal-powered bikes are allowed. E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular and present an opportunity to expand bicycling as a viable transportation option to more people. We do not support class 3 e-bikes, capable of speeds of up to 28 miles per hour, on shared-use park trails. Class 3 e-bikes are not appropriate on park trails due to safety concerns related to speed. E-bike riders, as well as all other trail users, will need to practice good trail etiquette and be considerate of others.
Written comments are being accepted through March 11. Email your feedback to either the Fairfax County Park Authority ([email protected]) or NOVA Parks ([email protected]).
The meeting will begin at 7:00 pm at The Jean R. Packard Center at Occoquan Regional Park, located at 9751 Ox Road in Lorton. More about the proposal, the hearing, and how to submit comments can be found here.
