Photo credit: R. Scott McNeill
As the use of electric bicycles (e-bikes) remains on the rise along forest preserve trails in the region, officials are reminding cyclists to ride responsibly and follow good trail etiquette.
“Both the popularity of using e-bikes on our trails and public complaints about cyclists going too fast or riding in an unsafe fashion are up,” said Beth Schirott, communications specialist for the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.
Lake County Forest Preserves has observed similar trends, noting that e-bikes are permitted on all trails open to traditional bicycles, provided riders adhere to a 20 mph speed limit.
“These are a great option for elderly or mobility-impaired people who want to be outdoors,” said Ron Davis, Lake County public safety director.
In DuPage County, Schirott said most users are not aware Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed on the trails. These e-bikes assist with motor up to 20 mph, which makes them qualified for shared-use paths.
To address the growing usage and concerns, DuPage is collaborating with a number of other local governments—Kane and Will County forest preserve districts, the McHenry County Conservation District, and the Naperville and Fox Valley park districts—to have a combined campaign promoting awareness of trail safety, e-bike etiquette, and e-bike law awareness.
As part of the initiative, agencies are distributing wallet-sized brochures with key guidelines, placing reminders on Facebook and Twitter, and installing trailside signs to educate the public.
“With May being National Bike Month, we thought this was a perfect time to promote safe, considerate use of trails while aligning with other agencies in raising awareness of bike-related statutes,” said Schirott.
Officials also clarified that Class 3 e-bikes with speeds of up to 28 mph are prohibited in DuPage, Lake, Kane, and Will counties. Cook County’s Forest Preserve District also prohibits Class 3 e-bikes and outlines its entire rules and safety regulations on its website.
Best Practices for Trail Users
To further encourage safe and respectful use of the trail, Lake County Forest Preserves recommends that all cyclists and pedestrians follow these best practices:
- Stay right; pass on the left.
- Move into single line when passing or being passed.
- Heavily announce “On your left” when passing others.
- Speak up instead of using bells when coming up to horses, and request riders’ permission to pass.
- If cycling in groups, ride in single file.
As trail use remains near record levels, forest preserve officials want these reminders to make shared outdoor areas safer and more enjoyable for all.
