NOTN- The Juneau Assembly rejected an ordinance at last night’s meeting that would have restricted electric bicycle use in parks and recreation areas, after hearing testimony on safety and access, to consider incorporating broader city wide restrictions.
A mountain bike advocate, Alexandra, described concerns about fast, heavy electric motorcycles being ridden on nonmotorized trails.
“I looked up the stats today.” Alexandra said, “The lightest and slowest one is 130 pounds and goes 50 miles per hour, which is like insane. There’s a group of 12 to 14 year old in the Valley that are riding these bikes around in non-motorized areas on non-motorized trails, both paved and unpaved, and they’ve done a good bit of damage. Just please, please get these things off our trails.”
Other speakers, like Carol, called for broader rules covering different types of electric vehicles and for attention to riders’ conduct, accessibility and recreation options for young people.
“I’m an e-bike owner. I’m 70 years old. I’ve had both my hips replaced, both my knees replaced. I’ve biked around the world on a regular bike, literally, and I love biking, and I love my e-bike, although it weighs a lot.” She said, “What I’d like the assembly to do is to make a committee on this topic, because there’s more to it than just what’s happening now. I agree with the person that said little kids should not be driving these bikes that go so fast, but these these suggestions you have are not going to end that.”
The city manager said a separate ordinance taking a broader, citywide approach had been introduced. The proposal was tabled while members explore broader regulations covering electric bikes and more powerful electric motorcycles, known as e-motos, the new citywide proposal will be discussed at the November 16th meeting.
Savannah Chrisley is ringing in multiple milestones.