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Yosemite National Park
Sierra Sun Times file photo

September 13, 2019 - Electric bicycles (e-bikes) are appearing in national parks with greater frequency. E-bikes advance Healthy Parks Healthy People goals to promote parks as a health resource by supporting a healthy park experience that is accessible, desirable, and relatable to people of all abilities, and by minimizing human impact through the expansion of active transportation options in parks. Specifically, e-bikes can:

  • Increase bicycle access to and within parks. E-bikes make bicycle travel easier and more efficient, because they allow bicyclists to travel farther with less effort.
  • Expand the option of bicycling to more people. E-bikes provide a new option for people who want to ride a bicycle but might not otherwise do so because of physical fitness, age, or convenience, especially at high altitude or in hilly or strenuous terrain.
  • Mitigate environmental impacts. When used as an alternative to gasoline- or diesel-powered modes of transportation, e-bikes can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel consumption, improve air quality, and support active modes of transportation for park staff and visitors. Similar to traditional bicycles, e-bikes can decrease traffic congestion, reduce the demand for vehicle parking spaces, and increase the number and visibility of cyclists on the road.

At Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site, the following e-bike rules apply:

  • The term “e-bike” means a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.).
  • E-bikes are allowed in Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site where traditional bicycles are allowed. E-bikes are prohibited where traditional bicycles are prohibited. Except where use of motor vehicles by the public is allowed, using the electric motor to move an e-bike without pedaling is prohibited.
  • A person operating an e-bike is subject to the following sections of 36 CFR part 4 that apply to the use of traditional bicycles: sections 4.12, 4.13, 4.20, 4.21, 4.22, 4.23, and 4.30(h)(2)-(5).
  • Except as specified in this Compendium, the use of an e-bike within Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site is governed by State law, which is adopted and made a part of this Compendium. Any violation of State law adopted by this paragraph is prohibited.

More National Park Service e-bike information can be found here.
Source: NPS

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