Electrifying thoughts

Last week at OC Parks Trails Subcommittee one of the agenda items was "CONSIDERATION OF SUPPORT OF EXPLORING POSSIBLE ALLOWANCE OF CLASS I ELECTRIC BICYCLE USE ON UNPAVED, NATURAL-SURFACE TRAILS IN OC PARKS FACILITIES"

As always, this matter is polarizing and we are frequently asked our position as an organization whom's objective is to preserve and expand trail access. Allow us to reply as to what is NOT our position:

We don't support generalization. It's extremely important to clarify that the only bike in this discussion is a Class 1 Pedal Assist (C1PA), the conveyance that the State of California already deemed should be considered a bicycle. We are not addressing Class 2 or 3 and certainly not unclassified (frequently eMotos), nor are we addressing road or paved bike trail use. So please be careful with the assumption they are all the same - C1PA is not like the others. And find comfort in knowing there has a been a lot of recent legislation to address that inappropriate road, bike path and underage/unlicensed use of throttled "bikes".

We don't support poor behaviour by any rider (or recreational trail user). Ride your C1PA like a good fellow trail user or don't go out there looking for our support. And let's make sure we are clear, all use groups (hike, trail run, bike) have "bad apples". Making/using Illegal trails, blocking routes, not listening or making others aware of you. Let's work together to support good etiquette, conflict can occur from any form of trail user doing bad things and that's just not ok. We're blessed in the OC to have a beautiful outdoors, enjoy it together with a smile for your fellow sportsperson.

We don't support misinformation. Perpetuating fear, uncertainty and doubt on unfounded claims is simply inappropriate. As regards the C1PA, there aren't material statistics to support the claims of fire risk, weight issues or trail damage. Most of us have UL certified batteries on us when we are outdoors (cell phones), MTB and C1PA bikes vary around twenty pounds and many riders cover a bigger weight range than that, and the C1PA assist doesn't run unless you pedal, so there is no way to make throttle motivated "burn outs". Let's work with facts when addressing this matter please.

We don't support recreational user group disharmony. This topic bifarcates all of us better than most, heck it even divides the MTB space. Guys, we're all in this together. We all want to protect our precious and limited outdoor spaces. If you've got the energy to argue and you're an MTB'r, grab a McLeod and come join us for trail maintenance. If you're a member of another use group, join us for a ride and find out that we're on the whole a pretty cool group. Arguing with no focus on a positive outcome has resulted in zero progress on this topic for way too long, let's save our energy for protecting our spaces together.

We're not in support of a full scale disregard of this category. To discriminate against this type of bicycle may not be equitable. We know a lot of riders that have a genuine passion for the sport and a very legitimate reason for pedal assistance. These are folks with medical issues/histories, age limitations etc., and we venture not one of them is a poor trail steward. The C1PA can help them to continue to enjoy the exercise, camaradarie and outdoor beauty that drives us all to these space. If it's not you, remember one day it could be, and have some respect for the technology that is giving them an option to get out there and ride.

As a result, we also don't support ignoring the exploration of the use of C1PA on natural surface trails because it's the only way to find a solution that recognizes the legitimate uses, stems the bad behaviour, disregards the misinformation and generalization and adds quality to the outdoor recreation venue for all. If the appropriate wildlife agencies find that the applicable conservation easements can support C1PA, let's deploy it in a way that is a "win" for all. Think dedicated trails or systems, trail management plans and registration policies that serve to remind the rider of the rules of the trail while also helping the land manager with the daunting task of enforcement.

I guess we would say in a nutshell, we're not in support of a lot of the factors that come up in these passionate discussions, but we are in support of finding good answers that recognized the needs of everyone. In finding answers that move this topic forward together, positively and for the benefit of all.