Boulder evaluates allowing ebikes on open space trails

The City of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks Department (OSMP) is evaluating the use of electric bicycles on some of the trails in their system. Ebikes are currently prohibited on all OSMP trails, although they are allowed in Boulder city limits on multi-use paths that are managed by other departments in the City of Boulder.

The stated objectives of the project are to improve access to trails for a wider range of ages and abilities, to provide a consistent experience across interconnected trails, to encourage multimodal travel to trailheads, and to support city climate goals.

Boulder County went through a similar process in 2018-2019. The Boulder County Commissioners approved the use of ebikes on County trails on regional trails and on trails in the plains, with a few exceptions. Ebikes are prohibited on Boulder County trails in the foothills and mountains. The dividing line between the foothills and plains is US 36, 28th Street in Boulder and State Highway 93. Details can be found at the County website:

https://bouldercounty.gov/open-space/management/e-bikes/

The difference between City and County regulations is illustrated by the Longmont-Boulder (LoBo) Trail. When biking from Niwot to Boulder you are allowed to be on an ebike on the LoBo Trail until you get to the State Highway 52 underpass. Between there and Gunbarrel the trail changes between allowing and prohibiting ebikes four times as the trail moves onto City of Boulder-owned Open Space..

Riding an ebike between Longmont and Boulder is particularly complicated. Multiple government agencies are involved in setting the rules for using ebikes. The State of Colorado, Boulder County and the cities of Boulder and Longmont all have a hand in ebike regulations that apply to the mix of streets and trails between Longmont and Boulder.

State law was changed several years ago to define Class 1 and 2 ebikes as non-motorized vehicles. Boulder County conducted a study of ebike use in 2019 and concluded that the Class 1 and 2 varieties, which provide an assist only to a maximum speed of 20 mph, should be allowed on plains trails. But the City of Boulder has lagged far behind, in spite of its stated climate goals.

Some who have commented on the issue oppose allowing ebikes, claiming they are motor vehicles and their use on Boulder trails is inconsistent with City of Boulder policy. Others have commented that ebikes provide a safe, sustainable alternative mode of transportation, especially for older riders and those experiencing health issues.

Boulder's OSMP department is considering three alternatives to leaving the rules as they are now.

Alternative A would allow ebikes on all OSMP multi-use trails that allow non-electric bikes. This is the most permissive option and would apply to 54 miles of trails.

Alternative B would allow ebikes on OSMP trails in the plains and also in Boulder Canyon. This option would apply to 34 miles of trails.

Alternative C would allow ebikes on only OSMP trails that are identified as part of the Boulder County regional trail network. The regional trail program is a multi-year effort to construct multi-use trails that interconnect communities within Boulder County.

Examples of the first priorities in the regional trail program are the LoBo Trail and the proposed Lyons-to-Boulder regional trail. Alternative C would open up 25 miles of trails to ebikes.

Alternative B is the preferred choice for OSMP staff.

Under all three alternatives the LoBo Trail would be completely open to ebikes.

The next step in this process is for public feedback gathered by the city staff to be presented to the Boulder Open Space Board of Trustees (OSBT). That takes place on October 8. The OSBT will take action on November 13 and make a recommendation to Boulder City Council.

See the Boulder website in order to monitor progress in this process:

https://bouldercolorado.gov/projects/osmp-evaluation-e-bikes-trails