HARRISBURG — Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn recently announced an internal policy on the use of electric bicycles on DCNR lands is now final and effective immediately in state parks and forests.
An e-bike is a bicycle equipped with an electric motor that assists the rider when they are pedaling.
“DCNR received more than 640 comments from the public on the draft policy,” Dunn said. “Based on the review of the comments, we have made some minor adjustments and will now move forward allowing e-bikes on trails already open to traditional bicycle usage on the lands managed by the department, as long as users follow some guidelines.”
In accordance with the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, Dunn noted that e-bikes:
* Weigh no more than 100 pounds.
* Do not exceed 20 miles per hour using the motor.
* Have motors that do not exceed 750 watts.
* Have fully functional, operable pedals.
Related to concerns about the speed of e-bikes, the language was changed to note that all operators shall always adhere to safe speeds and advised speed limits along trails, and e-bike operators should never use the electric assistance to exceed 20 miles per hour. All users should travel at safe speeds.
“We ask all riders — traditional and e-bikes — to practice trail etiquette and ride safely, including adhering to safe speeds,” Dunn said.
E-bikes make Pennsylvania state parks and forests accessible to more people, such as older individuals and those with physical limitations or medical conditions. The policy expands such opportunities for healthful outdoor recreation activity while at the same time managing impacts on other visitors and on natural places.
Other lands open to the public in Pennsylvania (such as federal lands, local parks, gamelands and preserves) have different requirements related to e-bikes. E-bike users should check the guidelines for their destination before they go.
The policy allows e-bikes to be used on DCNR-managed trails where traditional bikes are allowed. State forest roads and trails that are not open to biking and would also prohibit e-bikes include natural areas, designated hiking trails (blazed with yellow or orange) and trails or roads specifically marked closed to biking.
E-bike users must propel their e-bikes by pedaling on non-motorized trails; the use of the throttle-only functionality is not permitted on non-motorized trails managed by DCNR.
E-bikes will be allowed on DCNR-managed motorized trails and public-use roads unless they are marked as prohibited to bikes. Riders under the age of 16 are not permitted to ride e-bikes on state or local highways.
Bike trails found in state parks feature a variety of sizes, terrain and scenic views. An added bonus is that you can take advantage of the many resources, facilities and activities found within each park. Approximately 3,800 miles of state forest trails are open to mountain biking. Of those, 447 miles within 11 state forests are specifically designated and maintained for mountain biking.
DCNR is sharing a printable fact sheet on biking in state parks and forests with bike shops and riding organizations, and with state park and forest visitors.
