Information on Secretary’s Order 3376 Increasing Recreational Opportunities through the use of Electric Bikes (SO 3376)

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20240
http://www.blm.gov
 

October 22, 2019

In Reply Refer To:
8340 (250) P

EMS TRANSMISSION 10/22/2019
Information Bulletin No. 2020-003

To:                   All Field Office Officials

From:              Deputy Director, Policy and Programs

Subject:           Information on Secretary’s Order 3376 Increasing Recreational Opportunities through the use of Electric Bikes (SO 3376)

This Information Bulletin (IB) replaces IB 2015-060 Electronic Powered Bicycles on Public Lands and provides clarification and guidance regarding the management of low-speed electric bicycles, also known as e-bikes, across BLM-managed public lands.[1]

On August 29, 2019, the Secretary of the Interior issued Secretary’s Order 3376 to increase recreational opportunities for all Americans, especially those with physical limitations, by clarifying the regulatory status of e-bikes on Federal lands managed by the Department.  As a matter of policy, low-speed electric bicycles, as defined by federal law and SO 3376, operated in the pedal assist mode should generally be given the same access as traditional bicycles.

As the BLM works to implement fully SO 3376, District or Field Managers should, as appropriate to address local situations, use the exclusion to the definition of off-road vehicle at 43 CFR 8340.0-5(a)(3) to authorize the use of Class I, II, and III e-bikes, as those terms are defined in section 4 of SO 3376, where other types of bicycles are allowed.  In considering when and where to authorize the use of e-bikes, District or Field Managers should take into account the policy set forth in SO 3376 that the use of e-bikes in the pedal assist mode and traditional bicycles without an electric pedal assist should be treated generally in the same manner.

In the event that a District or Field Manager is considering denying the use of low-speed electric bicycles in a specific location, a written explanation must be submitted to and approved by the State Director.

Please refer to the attached Frequently Asked Questions for additional information when carrying out e-bike authorizations and application of SO 3376.

For public lands where Acts of Congress or Presidential Proclamations specify non-motorized uses, authorized officers should consult with the appropriate Regional Solicitor’s Office or contact Evan Glenn, BLM National Mountain Bike Subject Matter Expert, at eglenn@blm.gov, or Dave Jeppesen, Travel and Transportation Program Lead, Division of Recreation and Visitor Services, at d1jeppesen@blm.gov.

Signed by:                                                                   Authenticated by:
William Perry Pendley                                               Robert M. Williams
Deputy Director, Policy and Programs                       Division of Regulatory Affairs,WO-630

2 Attachments
     1- SO 3376 (3 pp)
     2.   SO 3376 Frequently Asked Questions (2 pp)