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Public Input Sought on E-Biking Policy for Vermont State Forests and Parks

Summary

The Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation (FPR) is seeking input from the public on a draft update to FPR Policy 4: Mountain bicycles, horseback riding, and pack animals to allow the use of electric bicycles on state lands.

Vermont statute (23 V.S.A. § 4) defines electric bicycles as a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals, a saddle or seat for the rider, and an electric motor of less than 750 watts that also meets the requirements of one of three classes. Statute (23 V.S.A. § 1136a) also requires that e-bikes be governed as bicycles and lays out options for municipalities and agencies to allow or restrict the use of the different classes of e-bikes on multi-use paths and natural surface trails.

The Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation is proposing to allow all classes of electric bicycles on the following resources:

  • State park roads;
  • Class A and B forest highways;
  • Gravel-surfaced Class C forest highways;
  • Multi-use trails and other Class C forest highways designated for bicycle use through established planning processes.

The Department is also proposing to allow Class 1 e-bikes on natural surface trails designated for bicycle use through established planning processes (mountain bike trails).

The policy would designate a 20 mph speed limit on all state park roads, forest highways, and multi-use trails with an option to designate a lower speed limit, as needed.

Finally, the Department is proposing to differentiate the use of forest highways by road classification for the activities in the policy, including bicycles and horseback riding.

Resources

Input Opportunity

Please use this form to submit your comment on the proposed draft policy. All comments must be submitted by 5:00 PM on November 28.

If you cannot submit your comment through the form, you may submit your comment to:

  • Claire Polfus
  • FPR Division of Lands Administration and Recreation
  • 1 National Life Drive, Davis 2
  • Montpelier, VT 05620
  • 802-505-5372
  • claire.polfus@vermont.gov

Questions

If you have any questions that are not already answered in the Frequently Asked Questions, please contact Claire Polfus, FPR Recreation Program Manager, claire.polfus@vermont.gov.