E-Bike Use on Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District (MROSD) Trails Evolves

PRESS RELEASE.

E-Bike Updates: Paved Pilot Underway; Unpaved Pilot Discussion

In December we launched our pilot project at Ravenswood Preserve and Rancho San Antonio

Open Space Preserve and County Park, allowing class 1 and class 2 e-bikes on select

paved and improved trails where bicycles are currently allowed. A proposed pilot for class 1 e-bikes on select unpaved trails was postponed until next fiscal year (July 2021 – June 2022) due to the staff resources required for COVID-19 response.

At a public meeting on January 20, the board of directors will discuss whether or not the unpaved pilot proposal will remain on this timeline or start sooner, which may require shifting resources from the paved pilot.

~ From the MROSD E-News

MROSD Comment Form and Email Signup

MROSD Biking and E-Bike ~ Which Preserves to Ride, Sharing the Trails, Access Guidelines

Most of Midpen’s 220 miles of designated trails are unpaved “wildland” trails in steep, rugged terrain. Approximately 65% of these trails are multiuse trails and are open to bicyclists, which is the highest ratio of trails open to bikes among parks and open space in the Bay Area. Many of these trails are also single-track trails, providing bicyclists with a more technical experience.

Please Note: Activities may not be designated on all trails within a preserve– always refer to the map and trail signage for where the activity is permitted. Some trails are subject to seasonal closures, always check trail conditions and refer to signage.

MROSD and E-BIKES

• Electric bicycles are not, and have never been, allowed on Midpen trails, except for use by individuals with a mobility disability who may use them on trails where bicycles are allowed per our Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices Policy. This is not a change in policy.
• Given an increase in public inquiries regarding policies on the use of e-bikes, which indicates confusion regarding the prohibition of e-bikes, Midpen recently posted “no e-bike” signs where appropriate to provide clarity at Midpen trailheads.
• As part of a one-year pilot project beginning in December 2020, class 1 and class 2 electric bicycles will be allowed on select paved and improved trails where bicycles are currently allowed at Ravenswood Preserve and Rancho San Antonio Preserve and County Park. You may provide comments on this pilot project using the form below.
• All roads and parking areas that are open to public motor vehicles are open to all classes of electric bicycles.
• A previous plan to develop a one-year pilot project for class 1 e-bikes on select unpaved trails has been postponed due to the staff resources required for COVID-19 response. A pilot proposal for unpaved trail e-bike access is currently scheduled to be brought to the board of directors in the next fiscal year (July 2021 to June 2022).
• Learn more in our E-Bike Policies, Pilot Programs and General Information fact sheet and sign up for email updates below.

MROSD Comment Form and Email Signup

Click and Scroll to bottom.

Author: Coastside Buzz

Me