Michigan DNR E-Bike Land Use Order Survey
The purpose of this survey is to gather public input on the proposed Land Use Order of the Director regarding e-bike use on state-managed trails (except those located on wildlife or state forest lands).
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Definitions
For the purposes of this survey, a trail is defined as any natural surface or improved surface (gravel, limestone, asphalt) path that is managed for the primary purpose of pedestrian use on either foot or bicycle, but may include other uses such as horseback, snowmobile or ORV.
These may include:
Linear rail trails or linear state parks
Mountain bike trails
Pedestrian pathways within parks
Other natural surface, nonmotorized corridors
The state of Michigan defines an electric bicycle (or e-bike) as a bicycle that has a small rechargeable electric motor that can give a boost to the pedaling rider or can take over pedaling completely. To qualify as an e-bike in Michigan, the bike must meet the following requirements:
It must have a seat or saddle for the rider to sit.
There must be fully operational pedals.
It must have an electric motor of no more than 750 watts (or 1 horsepower).
Class 1
An e-bike equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and disengages or ceases to function when the bike reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour.
Class 2
An e-bike equipped with a motor that propels the bike, whether the rider is pedaling or not, to a speed of no more than 20 miles per hour and disengages or ceases to function when the brakes are applied, or throttle is released.
Class 3
An e-bike equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and disengages or ceases to function when the bike reaches a speed of 28 miles per hour.
Unclassified (not an e-bike)
Max. assisted speed above limits OR
Motor power over 750 watts OR
No seat / no pedals
May be a motorcycle / moped / ORV
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1.
Are you a Michigan resident?
(Required.)
Yes
No
Prefer not to answer
*
2.
What is your age?
(Required.)
Under 18
18-29
30-39
40-49
50-64
65 and older
Prefer not to answer
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3.
How often do you ride your bike on a state-managed trail, as defined above?
(Required.)
Daily
Once per week or more
Once per month or more
Less than once per month
I do not ride on state-managed trails
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4.
Where do you
most often ride
your bike on state-managed trails?
(Required.)
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Southwest Lower Peninsula
Northeast Lower Peninsula
Northwest Lower Peninsula
North Central Lower Peninsula
East Upper Peninsula
Central Upper Peninsula
West Upper Peninsula
I do not ride on state-managed trails
5.
Which other areas do you also ride? Choose all that apply:
Southeast Lower Peninsula
Southwest Lower Peninsula
Northeast Lower Peninsula
Northwest Lower Peninsula
North Central Lower Peninsula
East Upper Peninsula
Central Upper Peninsula
West Upper Peninsula
None of the above
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6.
If you ride on trails, do you ride an e-bike?
(Required.)
Yes
No
Sometimes
I do not ride on trails
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7.
When you ride an e-bike, what class of e-bike do you typically ride?
(Required.)
Class 1
Class 2
Class 3
Unknown or Unclassified
I do not ride an e-bike
Current allowable use
Currently, on state-managed trails, use of varying classes of e-bikes are allowed as follows:
Class 1
Class 2
Class 3
Allowed on roads and bike lanes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Allowed on linear paved trails
Yes, but can be regulated
No
No
Allowed on nonmotorized, natural surface trails (such as mountain bike trails)
No, but can be authorized
No, but can be authorized
No
Allowed on motorized, natural surface trails (such as ORV trails)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Proposed Land Use Order of the Director
The proposed Land Use Order would expand e-bike use as follows:
A person may operate a Class 1 electric bicycle on a trail which is open to bicycle use on any Parks and Recreation Division-administered lands.
A person with a mobility impairment may operate a Class 2 electric bicycle on a trail open to bicycle use located on any Parks and Recreation Division-administered lands with the issuance of a use permit.
This Order shall be reviewed after a period of one year from the effective date to allow the Department time to assess the impact of electric bicycle use on natural surface trails. If after the one-year period there is evidence of any negative impact, the Order shall be rescinded. However, if no negative impact is evident after the one-year period, the Order shall remain in effect.
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8.
As it is written above, do you support or oppose this proposed Land Use Order?
(Required.)
Support
Oppose
Indifferent
9.
If opposed, why do you oppose this draft?
10.
If opposed, is there anything you would change that would make the amendment acceptable?
11.
Is there anything else you'd like to add regarding the proposed e-bike Land Use Order of the Director
Current Progress,
0 of 11 answered
