LARIMER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES E-BIKE POLICY UPDATE

Via Larimer County Natural Areas: https://www.larimer.org/naturalresources/e-bike-study?fbclid=IwAR3cwE2vOx3UHCGoHMUUwKiQS9SIlT3cBHAtvYJ4MlqeHencOEzBGUuQUdE

“E-bike access on trails expands in Larimer County to include individuals with mobility disability

Thank you to the over 1,200 citizens who participated in providing input towards our assessment of expanding e-bikes on soft-surface trails in Larimer County.  

Beginning July 1, Larimer County Department of Natural Resources (LCDNR) will expand access for individuals with a mobility disability to use e-bikes as an “other powered mobility device.” The expansion allows individuals with a mobility disability to access all LCDNR’s paved and natural surface trails where bikes are allowed.

We will continue to allow Class 1 and 2 e-bikes on all paved surface trails and will continue the existing regulation to prohibit e-bikes (except by those individuals with a mobility disability) and other motorized devices on natural surface trails managed by LCDNR .

Our Research:

• Two collections of public input over three years, nearly 2,000 responses (2018 & 2020)
• Statistically valid survey in conjunction with e-bike study at Devil’s Backbone Open space (2020)
• Ranger safety reports and trail cam data
• E-bike study participant rider logs
• Informal stakeholder meetings and discussions
• Advisory Board consultations

Findings:

• 64% of community respondents opposed allowing e-bikes on natural surface trails
• 36% of respondents in support   primarily noted their reasoning as to provide access for individuals with disabilities or chronic health constraints.”
  

More information on the study and policy can be found on the LCDNR website. https://www.larimer.org/naturalresources/e-bike-study?fbclid=IwAR3cwE2vOx3UHCGoHMUUwKiQS9SIlT3cBHAtvYJ4MlqeHencOEzBGUuQUdE

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Lory State Park E-Bike Policy: 

Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on roadways and designated bike lanes and on multi-use trails and other areas (e.g.,campgrounds) that are open to non-motorized biking.

Fort Collins Natural Area’s E-Bike Policy: 

“On April 21, 2020 the Fort Collins City Council approved City and Traffic Code updates to allow Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on paved trails following the completion of the pilot program, which was implemented this past year. E-bikes are not permitted on soft/natural surface trails. “

Loveland Parks and Rec’s E-Bike Policy:

Type I and II e-bikes are allowed where bikes are allowed (except Prairie Ridge Natural Area –  NO e-bikes)