Juneau advisory committee to vote on banning Class 2 and 3 e-bikes from city trails

Riders using throttle-equipped and high-speed e-bikes on Juneau's non-motorized trails could face new restrictions if the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee acts as its director recommends at its July 7 meeting.

The committee is scheduled to consider forwarding a draft ordinance to the City and Borough of Juneau Assembly that would allow only Class 1 e-bikes on trails currently open to conventional bicycles. Class 1 bikes provide pedal-assist propulsion only, with motor assistance cutting off at 20 mph. Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes, which can use throttle power or assist riders up to 28 mph, would be prohibited on all CBJ parks and trails closed to motorized use. Violations would carry a $25 civil fine. The director's report notes the proposal aligns with Alaska State Parks regulations and approaches taken by states and municipalities around the country.

Parks and Recreation Director Marc Wheeler wrote in his July 3 director's report that e-bikes "have gotten much faster in recent years and have the potential to create damage to trails and parks and can create significant public safety hazards."

Trail Mix Executive Director Meghan Tabacek submitted written support for the measure, flagging specific incidents at the Under Thunder Bike Park, a downhill-only facility where riders have used motor power to climb uphill on one-way courses. Tabacek called that behavior "incredibly dangerous." Reid Harris of the Juneau Mountain Bike Alliance is also scheduled to present an update on the Alliance's trail improvement activities and brief the committee on e-moto bike issues on CBJ parks and trails.

If the committee votes to recommend the ordinance, the CBJ Assembly would take up the draft language for consideration and adoption.