By DANA TIMS/Lincoln Chronicle
Beginning July 1, electric-assisted bicycles will be allowed in most areas of Oregon state parks where regular bicycles currently are allowed, and on almost all wet-sand stretches of the state’s 363 miles of ocean beaches.
Those changes were unanimously approved recently by the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Commission.
“E-bikes are definitely growing in popularity and the commission decided that it was time to take a look at rules pertaining to them,” Stepfanie Knowlton, public information officer for the state parks and recreation department, told the Lincoln Chronicle. “We looked at the balance between access to public lands for different kinds of options and protections of existing resources.”
The decision followed a number of public hearings and opportunities for public comment on the topic of expanding where e-bikes can be used in state parks and along the beach.
The new rules allow e-bikes on all trails and paths in state parks currently used by regular bicycles. It does not expand e-bike use to trails that do not currently allow bicycles, such as hiking-only or equestrian-only trails.
Previously, e-bikes were restricted in state parks to trails at least eight feet in width where traditional bicycles are permitted.
Under current state rules, e-bikes on beaches are limited to areas where motor vehicles are allowed. The revised rules will now allow e-assisted bikes on wet sand beyond designated vehicle access areas. Their use will be prohibited in dry sand, dunes and protected habitat areas, such as designated snowy plover nesting sites.
The rules pertain to class 1, 2 and 3 e-bikes, which encompass pedal-assist-only bikes with top speeds of 20 mph through bikes with pedal assist, throttle and a top speed of up to 28 mph.
Any two-wheeled vehicle above that is considered a motor vehicle and will not be allowed on state parks trails or wet sand beaches.
The commission’s decision to alter rules pertaining to e-bikes came after two virtual meetings and a public involvement process that elicited 165 comments. Of those, 123 expressed concerns primarily about speed differences and safety hazards on narrow trails. A total of 38 comments supported the language for the proposed changes.
Jeanne Gile, owner of the Safari Town Surf Shop in Lincoln City, said the rule changes may be sufficient for her to purchase e-bikes to rent.
“We have people come in all the time asking to rent e-bikes,” she said. “But because they aren’t allowed on the beaches around here, we just haven’t moved ahead to add any to our inventory. With the new changes, we’ll definitely consider buying some.”
- Dana Tims is an Oregon freelance writer who contributes regularly to Lincoln Chronicle, formerly YachatsNews, and can be reached at DanaTims24@gmail.com
Total baloney. What about the people who just want a peaceful walk on the beach? These ebikers think they own the beach.
What about people that want to ride a bike vs walk?
Its not like there will be 50 ebikes a full throttle zipping up and down the beach.
Better yet what about the people that want to enjoy a walk on the beach but get run up on by dogs?
Is there any place on this planet or state that is free from mechanized travel? I think this is a bad idea and time will tell. Enforcement on beach laws is already a joke. Parks staff have neither the time nor inclination to engage in meaningful enforcement. Who drove this decision? Why wasn’t a sunset clause included in the ruling?
Why not gas powered motorcycles. They’ve been popular for a century. 🙄
The beaches should be for peaceful walks while enjoying the beach and the wildlife. Allowing bikes of any kind destroys and disrespects the environment and experience.
It’s bad enough to have to dodge ev bikes on our roads now we will have them racing down our beaches. If Oregonians got to vote on this it would be a big no, we have been run over by elitists racing to agate beds and disturbing wildlife. Will be interesting when they break down. Coast Guard rescue? Tow trucks on the beach? I call baloney on Oregon State Parks.
I also call baloney on this dumb dumb dumb move by state parks. I’ve been complaining to them for years for failing to enforce the rule against motorized vehicles on beaches, and e-bikes are motorized. Instead of going after companies renting out e-bikes for illegal use on beaches, they make them legal. Phooey! Walking on the beach already can be a pain due to all the irresponsible dog owners who fail to control their dogs as required by law. Now we’re going to get overrun by electric bikes.
I have an e-bike that I ride because after I had both my knees replaced I sometimes just need that extra ‘UMPH’ to get peddling. I follow all the same rules as regular bikes and actually obey the rules of the road, unlike many bicycle riders I see now. Since I am not a strong bike rider, I am very cautious around walkers and am sorry to hear of those with bad experiences with other e bikers.
I am grateful I can now legally ride on the beach.