Pasayten's Methow Valley Bulletin Board

I have lots of bikers who come through my property to access state lands, as well as hikers and horseback riders. The Ebikes are a new use and I was really not sure what to think as I've grown annoyed at a few of the mountain bikers who fast track the trails and have nearly run down my dogs so I had assumed that the Ebike riders would be in that vein only worse.

I couldn't have been more wrong. The Ebike riders ride slowly, they are often older and just looking for a way to get out to where they used to ride but can't access anymore. They are friendly, use their bike bell to let others know when they're approaching and give deference to the horseback riders. There's also been some riders who are in the process of healing from injuries and are using the bikes as therapy.

That said, hunting season is upon us and so I expect hunters are likely to use them. Not sure how that will go.

I filled out a survey asking about opening current non motorized trails to ebikes and I said not to. One reason is that some people on regular bikes come bombing down the trail, with no regard for walkers.
I don't ride an ebike because I'm lazy. I ride it so I can go farther. Or go places a car can't go, but bikes are allowed, say, on water-barred logging roads.
Also, my ebike is a heavy sucker. It's 69 lbs. and I can get a good work out if I want. It's alot of weight to pull, so the assist options are good. This bike is not a mountain bike ebike. It handles more like a mo-ped. Another reason for this kind of bike not to be on a trail. I have seen ebikes on single track trails on the Thompson Ridge Trail at the top and they are not supposed be riding on that trail.
It's interesting. People always want more.

I don't understand how they can open non motorized trails to e-bikes non motorized should be non motorized regardless of whether the motor is gas or electric. NON MOTORIZED should be Just that NON MOTORIZED. If folks are supposedly out for exercise do that exercise walk instead of ride.People need to quit making excuses for being lazy.

E bikes are currently allowed - widely - on the National Forests. All current motorized roads and trails, regardless of surface type, are open to e bikes. Further, additional non-motorized trails may also be opened to e-bikes, after a public scoping and analysis process.

https://www.fs.usda.gov/features/e-bike ... grasslands

https://www.dnr.wa.gov/ebikes Current regulations

E-bikes aren't allowed on "trails" in Washington State. Or on Federal Land.

E-bikes are allowed on paved and improved surface multi-use paths unless explicitly prohibited by local ordinance.

Jingles have to agree with you there. And I have an ebike. Old logging roads are good enough for me.
And acutally the Forest Service closes some gates at logging roads that don't allow ebikes during hunting season. I think that goes a bit too far as my ebike is quiet. Most are. It is to give the hunter a non motorized experience, so the signs say. I find that those roads that are closed like that, hardly anyone, except little 'ole me and my hubby goes up them with ebikes. But this is up Twisp River and Little Bridge Cr. I don't know about the rest of the Valley. Ok my 2 cents.

No E-Bikes on Trails period

nice bike! I like the look of the Benno Boost, it's a great utility bike.
https://www.bennobikes.com/e-bikes/boost/

I am noticing a lot more e-bikes in then area this summer.

There is a lady on the lower W Chewuch Road with a nice-looking Tern GSD https://www.ternbicycles.com/us/bikes/472/gsd with a baby carrier on the back. If I didn't live at the top of a 2-mile 1000 foot climb I'd probably have one of those for grocery runs.

Current regulations: https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/wdfw-lands/re ... egulations

There is also one on May 12 at 12:30. You don't have to be on FB to participate

https://www.facebook.com/events/1905132 ... tory%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D%2C%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22your_upcoming_events_unit%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22bookmark%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D

Non-facebook links:

https://wdfw.wa.gov/get-involved/calend ... -meeting-0

And one on current e-bike regulations on WDFW lands:

https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/wdfw-lands/re ... s#planning

May 18th 5:30 pm WS WIldlife is holding a virtual meeting to discuss and get input on Ebike usage on state lands

https://www.facebook.com/events/1055762 ... f=newsfeed
Available to people on facebook or not