State to hold survey on 'e-bike' rules

OLYMPIA – The state is taking aim at cyclists using battery-powered and electric bikes on publicly owned land managed by the state.

As a result of Senate Bill 5452, which passed the Legislature in 2021, the state Department of Fish and Wildlife and Department of Natural Resources will host two public meetings online.

Those meetings are set for 12:30 p.m. Thursday, May 12, and 5:30 p.m. Wednesday May 18. A survey is also available to the public through Friday, July 15.

All three can be accessed online at wdfw.wa.gov/ebikes or dnr.wa.gov/ebikes.

During the online sessions, the public can provide input on electric-assist bicycling or e-biking on publicly owned lands managed by the agencies. The input will be compiled in a report to be presented to lawmakers by Sept. 30.

Fish and Wildlife Recreation Planner Heide Andersen said the process is designed to guide the agencies on “best practices” for e-bike use on publicly owned land.

The rules will be used for “protecting” wildlife, habitat and cultural and tribal resources, she said.

Natural Resources Recreation Manager Andrea Martin said the information will also be used to “craft common-sense policies.”

E-bikes are generally only allowed on roads and trails open to motorized vehicles. Residents with handicap placards in their vehicles may also use them on trails where non-motorized bicycles are allowed.

Written comments on e-bikes can also be sent to Wildlife Program, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, P.O. Box 43200, Olympia WA 98504.