The National Park Service (NPS) announced (August 2024) the availability of the Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for their programmatic environmental assessment (PEA) evaluating the use of electric bicycles (e-bikes) within National Park System units.
This assessment, following a comprehensive literature study (see box below), was conducted following a court ruling that required the NPS to revisit its earlier decision due to insufficient compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).
The PEA examined two alternatives: a "no-action" scenario, where no nationwide policy for e-bikes exists, leading to inconsistent management across park units, and the proposed action, where e-bikes would be uniformly defined and regulated, with superintendents given the discretion to allow their use in specific areas.
The latter, favored by the NPS, ensures e-bikes are treated similarly to traditional bicycles, with restrictions and permissions varying by park unit.
E-bike Lovers at Milepost Zero of the C&O Canal Towpath in Washington DC.
The NPS concluded that the proposed action would not significantly impact the environment, negating the need for a more extensive Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
At E-bike Lovers, we believe that while technology like e-bikes can offer enhanced access and enjoyment of natural spaces, trail usage conflicts often arise not from the technology itself but from how it's used. Irresponsible use by some e-bike riders, such as ignoring trail etiquette, speeding, or venturing into restricted areas, can create tensions with other trail users, including hikers, other e-bikers and traditional cyclists.
E-bike Lovers at the C&O Canal Towpath, a National Park open to responsible e-bike users.
The solution lies in responsible use and adherence to, for example, our Code of Conduct. This includes respecting speed limits, yielding to others on trails, and being mindful of the environmental and social impact of our presence in natural spaces. By following these guidelines, we can ensure that e-bikes remain a positive force in our national parks, enhancing the experience for all users without compromising the integrity of the trails we cherish.
In conclusion, while the NPS has given the final green light to e-bikes under specific regulations, it's up to us, the riders, to ensure that we use this technology responsibly. The success of e-bike integration into our parks depends less on the bikes themselves and more on our commitment to respectful and sustainable trail use.
Gregory discovered e-biking after 20 years of overseas work as a project manager for the World Bank and USAID. He writes about e-mobility and e-biking in the DMV area, loves the outdoors (white water kayaking, hiking, and biking), and is an award-winning documentary filmmaker.
He lives with his wife, Janet, and Queenie the cat in Washington, DC.
He e-biked 4,685+ miles across America and raised $180,000 for a charity in 2022. He e-biked 7,460 miles across the United States in 2026 in support of the Johns Hopkins Merkin Center for Peripheral Neuropathy and Nerve Regeneration.
Favorite e-bike: Riese & Muller Super Charger Class 3 touring e-bike.
Dr. Gregory F. Maassen
FOUNDER E-BIKE LOVERS
