Bicycles and E-bikes

CLASSES OF E-BIKES (Electric bicycles)

Class 1 

Class 1 E-bikes are ”pedal assisted” electric bikes providing assistance to up to 20mph while the rider is pedaling. This class of E-bike does not have a throttle and only provides aid while the operator is manually peddling the bike. 

Class 2 

Class 2 E-bikes assists in two ways. Firstly, the electric motor provides assistance when the rider is pedaling, just like a Class I E-bike. Secondly, Class II E-bikes possess a throttle, which allows the rider to accelerate without pedaling. 

Class 3 

Class 3 E-bikes are similar to class 1 E-bikes but are more powerful providing pedal assistance of up to 28mph. Class 3 E-bikes do not have a throttle.

For additional information regarding E-bike classifications, follow this link to Trails are Common Ground. 

 
Bicycle etiquette on trails

Bicycle etiquette is the same whether you're riding an E-bike or a traditional bicycle.  Be kind, be courteous, share the trail, and keep speeds under control.

Speeds

All bicycles must share the trails with other user types, such as equestrians, pedestrians, dogs and adaptive devices.  Maintain a safe speed that will allow you to react quickly if you come upon another trail user.  High speeds in popular areas, such as urban parks and paved paths, are strongly discouraged.

Moving Off Trail

You may need to take a break or allow others to pass. When doing so, take a step off the trail in a safe location and try to avoid crushing vegetation alongside the path.  

Passing 

Best practices would have riders using a bicycle bell that alerts others to your presence. Be courteous and ask first before passing.  Announce yourself and kindly ask if you may pass. When you do pass, do so at a reasonable speed and remember to thank those you pass.  Kindness is king!

If you're riding an E-bike and want to pass a slower rider who may be on a traditional bicycle, please remember that it may not be feasible for them to stop or pull over right away.  Riding an E-bike provides a huge advantage on a difficult incline.  Use that advantage to relax and practice patience.

Downhill 

• Most trail etiquette practices encourage that UPHILL traffic has the right of way, as they are working harder. 
• Keep speeds under control.  Our trails are multi-use and multi-directional
• If you are coming up to a blind corner, decrease your speed. Use a bell to announce your presence.  You may know your local trails but others might not. 
   

Don't Cut Corners or Make New Trails

Cutting corners and creating new trails is bad form.  Stay on designated trails and protect our plants and wildlife habitat from destruction.  Riding off trail causes erosion and costly maintenance repairs.

 

Ride Single File

Riding side-by-side causes a "roadblock" in both directions.  This is especially important to follow on popular trails where strollers and dogs on leash may be present.