E-bike policy placed for state parks
When you hit the bike trails at Moraine State Park next summer, you may be sharing the road with a new class of vehicles: e-bikes.
As of this week, the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources placed a policy in effect allowing electric bike riders access to park resources.
According to Dustin Drew, manager of Moraine and McConnells Mill state parks, park staff have received questions about the use of e-bikes and he said the trend is increasing.
“We have allowed some on the paved trail based on guidelines, often as an accommodation for folks,” he said. “The availability of them is growing, so I expect popularity will increase.”
Electric bikes have small motors which assist the rider as they pedal. According to guidelines in the state vehicle code, e-bikes weigh 100 pounds or less, should not exceed 20 mph using the motor, have operating pedals and motors that do not exceed 750 watts.
Drew said there’s always added risk when putting fast-moving bikes near people walking, which is why riders are always asked to stay on the bike designated trails.
“We’re going to try to keep people on the trails open to biking and the paved roads. I don’t think people would want to use the mountain biking trail,” he said. “I hope people are responsible, and I expect they will be.”
Despite cold weather, Drew said folks visiting the parks can expect to see some winter bikers.
“There aren’t nearly as many bikes in winter, and none when there’s snow on the ground,” he said.
A news release by the DCNR said that people should check the e-bike guidelines of the park they’re riding in before arriving. Riders should be informed that natural areas, hiking trails and trails or roads specifically closed to biking are not open to e-bikes.
For information on the e-bike policy, visit the DCNR website, dcnr.pa.gov.
