Thank you, Harry, for writing this. I couldn't agree more. I think we e-bikers need to form an advocacy group so next time the City Council hears us it's as a stronger, more united voice. Educating people that ebikes are safe, affordable, environmentally-conscious, a healthy lifestyle choice, AND the next wave of transportation is the only way we are going to dispel the myth that they turn us all into raving mad speedsters that are out to terrorize the neighborhood trails. And maybe as a group we'll have a fighting chance at appealing this. Check out the newly-formed yahoo group, Northern Colorado E-Bike Coalition. It's a place where we can come together, brainstorm, and get a better game plan going forward. Hope to meet you soon, Harry.

Fort Collins City Council upholds ban on ebikes
Trails are off-limits to pilot program
12:25 AM, Dec. 21, 2011

Written by
Kevin Duggan




Despite a push by local e-bike riders to get the City Council to reconsider a proposed one-year trial to allow electric-assist bikes on trails and study their impacts, the council upheld the city's ban on the bikes.

The council on Tuesday gave final approval to an ordinance that allow the use of e-bikes and other devices on trails by persons with mobility disabilities as is required by the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. But a pilot program on e-bikes was not included in the ordinance.

Councilmember Ben Manvel, who is an avid bicyclist, said he supports e-bikes but hasn't changed his mind on the issue.

After speaking with numerous residents on the trails and around the city, Manvel said it's clear to him that "people don't want powered vehicles on the trails."

Councilmember Wade Troxell said the council didn't give full consideration to an e-bike pilot program. The program would tie in well with plans to review its entire trail system and to study issues such as congestion and safety.

“I think this is directly at odds with being a bike-friendly city,” he said.
Several residents addressed the council about the e-bike issue, which has been discussed for many months.

Supporters of e-bikes said the devices are misunderstood. They are not used to “race around on the trails” but to assist riders on hills and with starting out at intersections, said Dr. Douglas Whitman.

Whitman said he rides an electric bike to his work at the Salud Family Health Center Clinic in north Fort Collins. Riding on busy streets is more hazardous than using the trails, he said.

“I don’t want to be another doctor who gets hurt on the roads,” he said.

But other residents said trail safety is a concern with electric bikes because of their weight and potential speed. The devices are better suited for bike lanes on streets, they said.

Portions of the busy trail system are curvy not adequately designed to handle the traffic they already have, said Dottie Spivak.

Following the council’s vote, e-bike rider Chris VanWoerkom said he was disappointed with the decision.

“Fort Collins is supposed to be a bike-friendly city and this goes against bikes,” he said. “This isn’t progressive at all.”

E-bikes allowed on trail for disabled
12:48 AM, Dec. 23, 2011

Written by
David Young



Denise Johnson loves riding bicycles, so when she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 19 years ago her ability to ride was greatly affected.

Today, Johnson, 53, of Fort Collins can only ride for a mile or two because of her disability. Then she discovered electric assist bicycles. The ability to have an electric motor to aid her pedaling has lengthened her rides to 19 miles and given her the freedom to ride again.

"(E-bikes) are the best idea since sliced bread. I'm able to go around town and do errands ... get where I need to be and can keep up with friends," she said.

Johnson is able to ride her e-bike on Fort Collins recreation trails because council gave final approval to an ordinance that permits the use of e-bikes for people with mobility disabilities as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.

But council upheld a ban of e-bikes on recreation trails for everyone else. That means people who are not disabled will not be able to use them. Johnson questioned how the city will enforce the law. She said the deciding factor for e-bikes on trails should be speed not disabilities.

Marty Heffernan, City of Fort Collins director of community services, said enforcing the ordinance will basically come down to the honor system.

Under ADA regulations, Heffernan said if they see someone with an e-bike on the trail they are only permitted to ask if they have a mobility disability. Unless there is reason to doubt them, Heffernan said they will take riders at their word.

"My observation is people in Fort Collins are generally honest and well intended; there is always an exception," he said. "Frankly I'm not worried about a run of dishonest e-bike users on the trail system."

The decision by council to uphold the ban may be the death knell for Fort Collins Small Planet E Vehicles, which is closed until further notice due to the council's decision and poor sales.

The e-bike shop at 244 N. College Ave., where Johnson bought her e-bike, closed in late November and Tom Wilson, owner of Small Planet E Vehicles, said he wants to get out of his lease.

Wilson estimates they sold 75 to 100 bikes in the past year and said they may have to reopen next spring if they can't get someone to take over the lease.