
Colorado Springs Parks EBike Policy Change
The Colorado Springs Parks Department is implementing an updated E-Bike Trail Access policy through a one year pilot program.
With E-Bikes becoming more and more popular “We’re at a point, now, where we’re ready to test what expanded e-bike access looks like in our community,” said Scott Abbott, regional parks manager. “During the year-long pilot program, which is a result of listening to the community and extensive research, we will evaluate usage and how it impacts the trail system and the overall user experience. We want to make sure the new policy is working and is the right decision for our community.”
COS Parks E-Bike Pilot Policy – effective May 31st
- Urban Trails (Tier 1/2) – Class I and II E-Bikes permitted
- All Trails – Class I permitted on all trails including single track
- Institute trail speed limit – 15MPH
Bike COS would like to extend a thankyou to everybody who participated in the Parks department’s survey conducted this fall. This survey provided great insight for Parks staff to understand the public’s thought on the role E-Bikes should play in the future of our city’s trail network.
The decision to implement the pilot program was reached following stakeholder meetings and a community-wide survey in November 2020 that collected input on the possible expansion of e-bike access on trails. More than 1,600 surveys were received.
E-bike usage has significantly increased in recent years, prompting communities nationwide to look at and update trail policies. Colorado Springs first started allowing Class 1 e-bikes on urban trails in February 2018. Urban trails, like Cottonwood Creek, Foothills, Pikes Peak Greenway and the Sand Creek trails, are typically described as local commuting and recreational trails that traverse neighborhoods and connect to the City’s core urban areas.
Over the next six weeks the parks department will be working to improve materials related to this pilot program including an updated website, on trail signage and initial programming. The Parks team will also be collaborating with stake holders to develop public education programming including Leave No Trace messaging, Public Service Announcements, Rules and Regulations, Education Programing and Educational Signage. The Parks department will also Collaborate with various local ambassador programs, including the our Bicycle Ambassador Program, to roll out the Pilot E-Bike program.
E-Bike classifications are defined at both Federally and at a state level
Class 1 E-Bikes are pedal assist only with a max assisted speed of 20mph
Class 2 E-Bikes are pedal assist and throttle controlled with a max assisted speed of 20mph
Below are details that will be launched May 31st
Trail Speed Limit Implemented – 15MPH
Urban Trails
The mission and goals of Bike Colorado Springs, related to E-Bikes, focus more directly on our city’s urban trail network and the use of EBikes or EMobility vehicles for transportation. Click through for our complete position and a more detailed description of the Conversation that occurred in October.
Currently, only Class 1 E-Bikes are allowed on tier 1/2 urban trails, this change will allow a broader range of E-Bikes on our urban trail network allowing for increased transportation use of this great resource.
Starting May 31st Class 1 and Class 2 E-Bikes will be allowed on Colorado Springs Parks Tier 1/2 urban trails
Singletrack and Tier 3 Trails
Urban trails, however, represent only a portion of the trail infrastructure that is managed by the parks department. There is also an extensive network of trails within our larger regional parks and open spaces. These trails are almost always naturally surfaced and generally multi-use, meaning they are shared among the likes of hikers, cyclists, joggers, dog walkers and equestrians. These are what are generally thought of as Singletrack or Doubletrack trails. These trails are found in Red Rock Canyon or Ute Valley Park open spaces or throughout Garden of the Gods or North Cheyenne Cañon parks.
As of May 31st Class 1 E-Bikes will be allowed on all Colorado Spring Parks Trails
Bike COS would like to extend a thankyou to everybody who participated in the Parks department’s survey conducted this fall. This survey provided great insight for Parks staff to understand the public’s thought on the role E-Bikes should play in the future of our city’s trail network.
Survey chart slides shown to your right, the complete slide deck presented to parks board is available here.
Colorado Springs EBike Reference information
Urban Trails
This City Urban Trail reference and Map describes types (tiers) of urban trails, note that some of these examples are inconsistent with the current trail network.
COS EBike Reference
The city EBike Page shows that some trails are open to e-bikes by name, excludes their use on “multi-use” trails, with a definition that is inconsistent with the Urban Trail descriptions. There is no definition of “system trails”, typically thought of as more narrow, soft surface walking/hiking trails in places like Palmer Park, Pulpit rock, etc.
TOSC Bikeway Map
This document was first produced by TOSC as a map showing where EBikes are allowed on Colorado Springs Trails. The map has since been change to the Urban Trail Map but is currently the clearest understanding that we have of where EBikes are currently allowed in Colorado Springs.