The City’s new e-bike Ordinance (O-24-14) has officially become law. This new law allows operation of all classes of e-bikes on paved multi-use trails and open space trails, except where an underlying landowner of a City trail has not approved e-bike use and/or where the Parks & Recreation Department (PRD) has closed trails to e-bikes. The law also sets a maximum speed limit of 20 mph on all City trails unless a lower speed limit is posted.
“We want everyone to ride safely while respecting all trail users,” said Dave Simon, Director of the Parks and Recreation Department.
Trails open to e-bike use are identified on this online map and will also eventually be identified by on-site signage.
Effectively immediately, PRD is implementing the new law with the following management approaches:
Paved, multi-use trails (not on Open Space): All City-managed paved, multi-use trails that are not on Open Space are open to e-bikes of all classes. This includes the following paved trails: North Diversion Channel, I-40, Paseo de las Montañas, Hahn Arroyo, and other paved trails on the City’s multi-use trail network.
Open Space trails:
- Foothills Open Space: A limited number of Foothills trails are open to e-bikes on an experimental basis to evaluate e-bike use and management issues. Other open space trails in the Foothills are temporarily closed pending further technical evaluation for potential e-bike use, public input, and installation of thorough signage. Since the U.S. Forest Service does not allow e-bikes, Open Space trails that cross onto USFS land are among those Foothills trails closed to e-bikes. Trails open and closed to e-bikes can be seen on this map.
- Bosque Open Space: Both paved and unpaved Open Space trails in the Bosque on lands owned by the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD) are currently closed to e-bikes per the City Ordinance and because MRGCD also requires a public engagement process regarding proposed e-bike use. The City and MRGCD will collaborate on these decisions, but the public input process is still being determined. In the meantime, the City has made a written request to MRGCD to immediately approve e-bike use on two paved, multi-use trails in open space owned by MRGCD where the City and MRGCD have shared jurisdiction (Paseo del Bosque, Alameda Drain/2nd Street trails) and has asked MRGCD to act on the City’s request as soon as possible.
- West Mesa Open Space: The hard-surface Paseo de la Mesa Trail is open to e-bikes. Other unpaved trails on the West Mesa are temporarily closed to e-bikes pending further technical evaluation, public input, and installation of signage.
- East Mountain Open Space: All unpaved trails are closed temporarily closed to e-bikes pending further technical evaluation, public input, and installation of signage.
Powered Micromobility Devices: In order to address the evolving technology and expanding use of smaller electronic-powered devices, the new law also defines powered micromobility devices (e.g. e-scooters, one-wheels, and e-skateboards), and limits them to paved trails only, and subjects them to trail speed limits.
Speed Limit: The maximum speed for all bicycles (analog and e-bikes) on all trails is 20 mph, unless a lower speed is posted. All unpaved trails on Open Space that are now open to e-bikes, or may be in the future, will have a maximum 15 mph speed limit, or lower in some areas, as posted.
As part of the implementation strategy, PRD will evaluate existing trail use, width, and technicality to determine which trails will be proposed for e-bike use in the future.
Education is the most important factor of trail use/etiquette, trail safety, and compliance with the new law. PRD is planning a robust public education effort regarding appropriate trail use, which would be implemented with community partners. PRD is also working to install trail signage, which will include lowering the speed limit in certain areas, such as near trailheads and in congested areas. These changes will also be reflected in the City’s online map.
PRD is also looking at both existing approaches and new technologies to monitor and inform riders about their speed in order to encourage compliance and safe trail use.
Any citations for violations of the Traffic Code would be issued by APD.
