Opinion — E-bike riders are trail users too

Ivory Spalek on the trails around Grand Forks.

Photo submitted by Ivory Spalek

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The discussion around the recent wildfire-related off-road vehicle restrictions got me thinking about more than one temporary ban. It also brought out a lot of strong opinions about e-bikes, trail users and who belongs on our local trails.

The restrictions have now been lifted, but I still think the conversation is worth having.

I use the TCT/Kettle rail trail regularly on both my pedal bike and my e-bike. Before the restrictions came into effect, I was riding almost daily. One of my frequent rides was from Wards Lake to the historic Sectionman Shed near Fisherman Creek and back.

The trail is where I’ve learned how to ride my bikes better. I’ve practised control, learned more about trail and road rules, and tried to learn proper trail etiquette.

I originally started sharing my experiences with an e-bike because I wanted to show people the beautiful trails I’ve had the privilege to ride and experience as someone with health issues.

I also try to look after the places I use. When I see garbage, cans, metal or broken glass, I pick it up when I can. I’ve tried to advocate for less littering, better trail safety, proper trail etiquette, helmet use and responsible riding.

Over the last year, I’ve also seen quite a few problems on and around the trails.

I’ve seen people speed past other users, dogs off leash, dogs on retractable leashes, people blocking trails and bridges while they talk, people failing to yield to each other, litter and broken glass, and vehicles accessing places where I don’t think they should be.

E-bike riders are not perfect either.

I have concerns about e-bike riders impeding other users, people riding without proper gear, younger riders using powerful e-bikes, and whether everyone understands the rules that apply to the bike they’re riding.

I think anyone riding an e-bike should know what kind of bike they have, understand the rules that apply to it and ride responsibly.

But I don’t think different kinds of trail users should be singled out based on assumptions about what they ride.

That was one of the things that bothered me during the discussion around the wildfire restrictions. I understand why restrictions are put in place when wildfire danger is high, and I’m not saying rules should be ignored.

What bothered me was seeing the conversation turn into people blaming particular kinds of trail users.

There are things I think all of us could improve on, and we should be able to talk about them as a community.

That includes e-bike riders, conventional cyclists, walkers, dog owners and drivers.

Outside the trail itself, I also have concerns about cycling in Grand Forks. Some bike lanes are barely visible or nonexistent, and I’ve had concerns about drivers failing to yield to cyclists or running stop signs. Those are safety issues too.

I don’t think the answer is to divide everyone into groups and decide one type of trail user is the problem.

We should all have a basic understanding of fire safety, trail hazards, local rules and regulations, and proper trail etiquette. We should also be willing to look at our own behaviour instead of only pointing at somebody else.

I’m not trying to say e-bike riders should be exempt from rules. We have responsibilities, just like everyone else.

I also think there are misconceptions about e-bikes, and sometimes people make assumptions about riders without knowing much about the bike they are riding or the person using it.

I would rather see us have a productive conversation about those issues than become hateful toward one another.

The TCT/Kettle rail trail is something many different people get to enjoy. I want it to be a safe, clean and enjoyable place for everyone.

That means e-bike riders need to do their part.

So do all of us.

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