Forest Service comment period opens on e-bike policy changes for Lake Tahoe trails
Submitted by paula on Mon, 10/09/2023 - 1:20pm
LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. - With the popularity of electric bikes, or e-bikes, growing around Lake Tahoe, the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit of the USFS (LTBMU) has proposed an update to its current regulations on trails around the lake. This planned move is to offer increased potential for recreational experiences on National Forest lands. They have opened a 30-day public comment period for the newly released Basin Wide Trail Analysis, which includes constructing 25 miles of new multi-use trail and opening 106 miles of existing trail around the basin to class-1 e-bikes.
The project would alter the trail system map around Lake Tahoe to allow Class 1 e-bikes on specific trails and clarify trails where motorized access is permitted. Also would upgrade road/trail crossings over streams and wet areas, and upgrade trailhead parking areas.
In California, there is a three-tiered e-bike classification system, and in Nevada, there is just an official definition of an e-bike.
Actions planned:
• Change 87 miles from non-motorized trails to motorized trails open to class 1 e-bikes only
• Change 1 mile from motorized use to motorized trails open to class 1 e-bikes only (this action is associated with reroute of motorized use from E12 to E7/E5)
• Designate 4 miles of existing non-motorized trails as motorized, trails open to motorcycles only, seasonal
• Decommission approximately 3 miles of existing trails (These actions are associated with proposed trail reroutes)
• Construct 23 miles of multi-use trail that are designated as motorized trails open to class 1 e-bikes only (6 of these total miles are associated with trail reroutes)
• Construct 1 mile of trail designated as non-motorized
• Construct 5 miles of new trails designated as motorized trails open to motorcycles only, seasonal
• Construct 3 new trailhead facilities
• Comply with USDA Forest Service, Tahoe Regional Planning Authority, and Lahontan Water Board Best Management Practices (BMPs) and Resource Protection Measures (RPMs) for trail and road maintenance, construction, and decommissioning activities.
Also included in the proposed updated trail usages, five current non-motorized vehicle trails will move to allow motorcycles seasonally, and a current seasonal motorcycle trail will change to e-bikes only.
Views maps of proposed changes on all segments of trails around the lake - https://usfs-public.app.box.com/v/PinyonPublic/file/934339923921
View the proposal - https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=54566&mc_cid=6a690d7548&mc_eid=336a4cf59f
Leave comments through 10/28/2023 11:59:59 p.m. - https://cara.fs2c.usda.gov/Public//CommentInput?Project=54566