Motorized trails washington

This was primarily a commuter focused bill, but the distinction between MTB and roadies needed to be made so that new trail development doesn't grind to a halt due to politics or grant restrictions. Seems mental putting ebikes on moto trails when they ride like and have much the same speeds as a mtb. Complete mismatch of user groups and speeds putting W speed and torque limited mountain bikes on moto trails. Some of our best high country mountain biking has always been on lightly used moto trails.

Been like this since mountain bikes were invented. Oh, and in North America the e-bikes are up to watts per the laws being passed in most states, including WA. The Specialized Levo is close to watts. Specs on the Levo page say watts nominal, which isn't particularly meaningful. Regulations are concerned about maximum wattage. The Levo is perfectly legal, the new regulation allows for watts max here in WA. I stand by my assertion that this is good legislation that keeps land managers in control of their trails.

They can allow e-bikes on non-moto trails if they want, and some will. It's not a ban. Smashing full turbo climbing and sprinting on single track we get 2hrs from a Wh battery. Which gives W. At W that would only be 40minutes. I think there is a strong case for pedal assist mtbs for those with disabilities or of older age. An outright ban hits those people the hardest, but I understand why there is apprehension and agree that it's important to protect trail access.

In an ideal world, you could create a permit system so that those who needed them could still access the trails, but this might not be practical. Evergreen's probably just worried some inexperienced out-of-shape tourist is going to effortlessly make their way to the top of Tiger on an ebike and decide that Predator sounds like fun.

So happy to see this, well done! Ebikes belong on motorized trails or they can form their own advocacy and trail building groups and construct and manage their own trails. Extremely dangerous! Ironic that the bulk of our mountain bike advocates here over the last years now ride W pedal assist ebikes as well as normal bikes. If anyone gives me lip about riding my ebike they can lick my shoes to say thanks for the trail they are riding on. Your comments were about as sensible as saying DHers should form different advocacy groups to Enduro and ebikes.

Same riders on a different day and bike but on mostly the same trails. Everybody who shouts out against pedal assist mtb has never ridden one. Get and check one out. Your mind will change suddenly. If they get banned now, the future of the sport gets banned as I do believe one day everyone will ride one. They're suitable in certain places and certain trails, and not suitable in others.

Here in Whistler we have a number of heavily used mixed use areas with already tenuous situations between mtb's and hikers, other non-moto user groups have already tried to tie non-moto mtbs to e-bikes in attempts to sway opinions in favour of further restrictions on ALL bikers. Any argument we have presented in the last 20 years for mountain biking applies equally to this class of ebike. The only issue is the impact of the track and managing user conflict.

So far track impacts so far seem less than XC bikes on climbing trails. Nor is the extra 10kg. If I wear a pack or not is 5kg difference. Our lightest rider is 30kg less than our heaviest. And ebikes weigh the same as the first DH bike I rode in early s.

The only potential for user conflict is catching slower riders on the way up. Although on techy climbs ebikes are about the same as a quick rider. Get your land managers and government policy decision makers out on one ASAP.

We previously had to put a lot of effort into stopping XC riders hating on DHers which was fracturing advocacy and giving mixed messages to government.

United we have made progress. Then use the positions of the anti-ebike riders as evidence they are hypocrites and push to ban all riding. When this happens you will already be in a weaker position from alienating ebikers and limiting the overall recreation of mountain biking. I have an ebike and its great. I also have a regular mountain bike. My ebike is just an efatbike but its usefulness is outstanding.

I use it for exploring, and will use it for trail building and commuting this summer. As a tool for accessing trail building spots, there is nothing better. Ebikes go uphill faster. That's it. They do not descend any faster. I'm speaking about pedelec which is the only type of ebike I know.

The notion that ebikes will cause more trail damage is both silly and ironic, considering those are same argument put forth by hikers against us. Its based on ignorance. I will probably go with a pedelec enduro type bike in the next few years as my primary mountain bike.

The only real issue I have with ebike users is that it allows for people to climb dh trails easier. But, with proper signage, I think that can be largely mitigated. There are also throttle control ebikes that blur the line between dirtbike and mountain bike, and I believe are open to discussion on banning trail access.

From the bill: "Generally, a person may not operate an electric-assisted bicycle on a trail that is designated as nonmotorized and that has a natural surface, unless otherwise authorized by the state agency or local authority having jurisdiction over the trail.

Without making assumptions, please give me an example of a trail that's designated as nonmotorized. I'm under the impression that natural surface trails aren't designated as nonmotorized by default, and must be declared so specifically and formally.

NY State law classifies self-propelled e-bikes as "motorized scooters". Pedal assist bikes are fine. See story from NYC ebiker. So much for the land of the free. Every little rule takes a little freedom from someone. In Washington WA. I know many young and fit mountain bikers have little respect for electric bikes, yet they will be 80 someday and like a little help to ride hills that were easier in their younger years.

Yes, kids will know what age feels like one day and remember laws typically exist not for the reasonable majority, but for the ignorant minority.

Laws exist to protect the egos of the groups holding most power. Groups form to address insecurity. Insecurity is often driven by hopelessness and fear of loss. Fear of loss includes the loss of your beliefs. Hopelessness comes from the lack of power. The more you show power, perhaps through reason, the more you strengthen these groups and the more they realize their own power as a group.

Even if their belief is proven to be a lie, they are given purpose and see you as an enemy. Sometimes showing that they have something greater to lose, they may see you still as an enemy, but will accept a lose-lose situation just to spite you as an enemy, to satisfy their ego.

IMO, just vote with your money. In the end, that's the power that counts most. Do what you usually do when you can't stand the issues with sharing: buy your own. Pool together money to buy land, dictating things that allow you to practice your own freedom.

I go to Duthie, Tiger, Tokul etc. If i have 2 hours after work on a Wednesday and can make 2 laps at tiger on my non ebike, or get 3 or even 4 on a class 1 pedal assist, like rad man.

The goal is to have fun. I get the juice of a hard climb. But the down is a lot more fun. Like, anyone who's shaved weight off their bike with expensive parts to make it easeer to pedal Why fight what's clearly the future? Especially since there seems to be zero appreciable facts supporting any bad outcomes from eMTB's trail damage, user interaction. Words Cam McRae. Getting On Gift Giving Early. Knolly Tyaughton Steel Hardtail! But Weight. Pockets of Wisdom. Transition Spire.

Mrutter - March 8, , p. As for the landmanagers: from whom do they get paid from? Mammal - March 9, , a. Mrutter - March 9, , a. Hey Dolomite, I do not claim to be a race winning fitness buff. Moritz Haager - March 9, , a. Meister - March 11, , p. This is the type of attitude that keeps N. Absolut-M - March 9, , a. Following the Developments in the US, it seems like this, yes. The Big Picture - March 11, , p. DrSK - March 9, , a. As such it will never have a wide lobbying base if it continues to be so narrow-minded.

Vik Banerjee - March 9, , a. DrSK - March 9, , p. Clint Buzzworth - Oct. Matthew Wilkens - April 22, , p. Cam McRae - March 9, , a. Download Our Recreation App!

Got a smartphone? Skip to main content. Site Map. Get an MVUM for your mobile device! National Forest System Roads that allow motor vehicle use two primary designations: Roads Open to Highway Legal Vehicles Only passenger cars, pickup trucks, SUVs and motorcycles that by state law are licensed for general operation on all public roads within the state Roads Open to All Vehicles ATVs, UTVs side by sides , off road motorcycles, golf carts and any other motor vehicle that by state law is not licensed for general operation on all public roads in the state A road that is designated as "open to all motor vehicles" allows any motor vehicle both licensed and unlicensed for general operation on all public roads in Washington state.

Visitors may legally drive only on the roads and trails identified on the MVUM. Operation of unlicensed vehicles on Forest roads and motorized cross-country travel off of designated routes are prohibited on the GPNF. The MVUM displays regulations on road and trail access for all types of wheeled motor vehicles, including street legal and off highway vehicles.

Elevation gain. Route type. More filters 1. Top trails Deer Park Road. Technically, you can walk or run it but it is primarily used by drivers.

When the trailhead closes for winter, you can park at the entrance and snowshoe up the main park road. Do not drive too close to the edge as there are soft shoulders.

Pull-outs along the way help easy traffic for people going different directions. This route is safer to drive on when it hasn't rained recently. Show more. Obstruction Point Road. This is a popular off-road driving route in the Tahuya State Forest. Blue Lake Trail. Length: 7. This trail is open to hiker use only. This trail follows a deep canyon along Blue Lake Creek, which was formed in part to melting glaciers thousands of years ago. The foot wall of columnar basalt was formed by volcanic eruptions beneath a glacier.