< All Public Input & Actions

BLM proposes more e-bike access to designated mountain bike trails

Colorado
Upper Colorado River DO
Colorado River Valley FO
Media Contact
BLM Office:
Colorado River Valley Field Office
A man rides an e-bike on BLM-managed public lands in Western Colorado.
An e-bike rider enjoys a ride on public lands in Western Colorado. BLM’s off-road vehicle regulations define an e-bike as a bike with two or three wheels, working pedals, and an electric motor of 750 watts or less. A Class 1 e-bike has a motor that only works when you pedal and stops helping once you reach 20 miles per hour. (BLM photo)

 

SILT, Colo. – The Bureau of Land Management is seeking public input on a proposal to allow Class 1 e-bikes on all currently designated mechanized mountain bike trails within the Colorado River Valley Field Office. A 30-day public comment period will open Monday.

“In January 2024, local mountain bike groups asked us to consider allowing Class 1 e‑bikes on mountain bike trails within the field office,” said CRVFO Field Manager Lisa Dawson. “We followed up with surveys, public meetings, and visitor use monitoring. The feedback showed there was enough interest for us to move forward with an environmental assessment.”

The field office has over 220 miles of single-track mountain bike trails, with about 18 miles currently open to Class 1 e-bikes. Feedback from the public scoping period will help guide decisions on whether to allow Class 1 e-bikes on more designated mountain bike trails and which trails are best suited for this use.

“We know more people are riding e-bikes on natural trails, and when it makes sense, we work to improve access so everyone can enjoy our great trail systems,” said BLM Colorado Outdoor Recreation Planner Alan Czepinski. “We encourage people to share their ideas, concerns, or suggestions about this proposal. Your input helps us make informed decisions.”

CRVFO manages the BLM mountain bike trail systems in cooperation with local government land managers including the City of Glenwood Springs, City of Rifle, Eagle County, Pitkin County Open Space, Town of Carbondale, Town of Eagle, Town of Gypsum, and Town of New Castle.

Public Input Opportunities

The public can submit comments about the proposal Monday through March 25. Project details and a map are available at the BLM national NEPA Register. BLM encourages members of the public to use the “Participate Now” option on the NEPA Register webpage to submit comments. 

BLM will also host two public meetings. The first meeting is scheduled 4-6 p.m. March 11 in the Town of Eagle. The second is scheduled 4-6 p.m. March 18 in Silt. For more information, contact the Colorado River Valley Field Office via email or phone at 970-876-900.

 

Related Files

The BLM manages about 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.