The Michigan Department of Natural Resource has expanded electric bicycle trail allowance throughout the state in a newly approved land use order.
The order was approved on August 8 and went into effect immediately after. The order expands use of Class 1 e-bikes to improve (paved or gravel) and natural dirt or grassy trails.
Nicole Hunt, a unit manager for the parks and recreation sector, said the bikes weren't allowed on more trails earlier because the previous land use order didn't include natural surfaced trails.
The previous order also didn't allow for Class 2 e-bikes to be used on any trails.
Class 2 e-bikes are throttle and pedal assisted and can reach up to 20 miles per hour. This class of bicycle is now allowed on the same paths as Class 1 bikes with a no-cost permit from the DNR.
Hunt says local units within the state managed parks were able to create changes for themselves and allow more e-bike access. Hunt says that is what the Michigan DNR has done now.
Class 3 e-bikes remain prohibited on all state-managed motorized trails, this class can reach up to 28 miles per hour.
Hunt says the DNR hopes that by combining their trail etiquette and safe passing education materials, people will not be negatively affected by sharing trails with e-bikes.
According to Hunt, congressionally managed trails or pathways and protected wildlife areas are not impacted by these changes. Some of these include the North Country National Scenic Trail and three pathways in Pigeon River Country in the northern Lower Peninsula.
Editor's note: We note the Michigan DNR is a sponsor of WCMU. We report on them as we do with any other organization.
