BOULDER, COLO. (September 4, 2024) — PeopleForBikes, a national bicycle advocacy organization and the U.S. bicycle industry’s trade association welcomes the findings of a recent National Park Service (NPS) assessment affirming the use of electric bicycles (e-bikes) on paths, roads, and trails where traditional bikes are already allowed across the National Park System. The assessment also gives individual park superintendents the discretionary authority to make decisions regarding e-bike use within their national park.
The Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) confirms that the inclusion of e-bikes where bicycles are already allowed has "no significant impact" on the environment or user experience. This aligns with PeopleForBikes’ long-standing belief that e-bikes can play a critical role in making public lands more accessible and enjoyable for a wider range of visitors.
"The NPS's decision to allow individual park superintendents to determine e-bike policies means we're moving towards broader, more equitable access while supporting individual park’s authority by giving local experts the ability to make decisions for their parks,” said Rachel Fussell, PeopleForBikes' senior manager of recreation policy. “E-bikes offer people of all ages and abilities the chance to experience the beauty of our national parks. They reduce traffic congestion and are a sustainable way to navigate these treasured spaces."
The study comes after years of debate regarding the impact of e-bikes on wildlife and visitor experiences. While some conservation groups express concerns about potential conflicts on backcountry trails, PeopleForBikes believes e-bikes can be responsibly integrated into park systems with thoughtful policies in place. Many parks, including Great Smoky Mountains National Park, have already undergone the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process and authorized the use of e-bikes on park paths, setting an example for other parks to follow.
"Our goal is simple — we want to ensure that national parks remain open and accessible to as many people as possible while maintaining their natural integrity with respect to the lands we all share,” said Fussell. “E-bikes are a key piece of that solution, offering a clean, quiet, and efficient mode of transportation for visitors."
PeopleForBikes encourages the NPS and park superintendents to continue responsibly expanding access for e-bikes where appropriate while ensuring clear guidelines are in place. By doing so, they can meet the growing popularity of e-bikes and help alleviate car traffic and overcrowding in popular parks, creating a more enjoyable experience for all park visitors.
PeopleForBikes maintains a comprehensive list of e-bike policies for national parks, a valuable resource for riders, and continues to advocate for policies that promote the safe and sustainable use of e-bikes in public spaces. The organization always recommends checking with National Park staff to determine where you can ride before you go.
For more information on nationwide e-bike policies and PeopleForBikes’ ongoing e-bike advocacy work, please visit peopleforbikes.org/topics/electric-bikes.
About PeopleForBikes
PeopleForBikes is the U.S. bicycle industry’s trade association and a national advocacy nonprofit representing more than 325 bicycle industry supplier members and nearly 1.4 million individuals. Through our three areas of influence — infrastructure, policy, and participation — we accelerate the construction of safe, fun, and connected places to bike; advance pro-bike and pro-bike-business legislation; and reduce barriers to access and welcome more people to the joys of riding a bike. Our goal: Become the best place to ride a bike in the world. Join us at peopleforbikes.org.
