Roaring Fork Mountain Bike Association (RFMBA)

Dedicated to creating and sustaining the best possible mountain bike trail system in the Roaring Fork Valley.


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Comment on Proposed Rules for eMTBs on BLM trails by June 9!

May 28, 2020 by Butch Peterson

Love ’em? Hate ’em? Never heard of ’em?

Good news, any above answer on eMTBs means it is important to participate in this comment period. Following up on last year’s Dept. of Interior Secretarial Order 3376, a Proposed Rule for managing e-bikes on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land is now open for public comment through June 9. Mountain bikers could be affected by this new rule more than any other user group. The BLM has long been a strong federal partner and values rider input, so let’s make sure our voices are heard and we shape this new rule well for mountain biking.

Pros of the proposed Rule: 
–Requires a local public process before allowing any eMTB access. 
–Distinguishes between class 1, class 2 and class 3 eMTBs. 
–Manages eMTBs separately from mountain bikes.

What could & should improve in the final Rule:
–Managing class 1, class 2 and class 3 eMTBs separately from each other.
–Prohibiting class 2 and class 3 eMTBs on natural surface non-motorized trails. 
-Revise any Rule language that carries a pre-decisional undertone. The BLM should point to NEPA as the required way of making revisions to travel management decisions. Local mountain bikers and stakeholders should play an important role in local decisions; local eMTB access should not be decided by the Dept. of Interior’s over-riding point of view.
–Clarify the timeline for required NEPA analysis as part of future planning processes. For some deep background details on this topic, take a look at IMBA’s analysis of the Proposed Rule. For more information on eMTBs, visit IMBA’s eMTB education page and IMBA’s eMTB FAQs.
Ready to submit a comment?

For this proposed rule you need to submit your individual comment using regulations.gov. (Rule reference number: RIN 1004-AE72.) The sample comment below is in line with IMBA’s eMTB position, which supports class 1 eMTB access as long as access for traditional mountain bikes is not lost or impeded. We always advocate for these decisions to be made via public process alongside local mountain bikers and all stakeholders. Customize the comment below—the second paragraph would be great to personalize—or craft your own comment following these tips.
Sample Comment:
 Thank you for the opportunity for the public to engage in the Bureau of Land Management’s “Increasing Recreational Opportunities through the Use of Electric Bikes”.

The mountain bike community is responsible for a large part of the natural surface trail infrastructure that exists today on our federal, state and local public lands. Hundreds of organized mountain bike clubs around the country manage thousands of volunteers who work closely with land managers on trail development, trail maintenance, and trail education for all users. Mountain bikers appreciate that the leap in technology presented by eMTBs is a unique management challenge. This proposed rule rightfully plans separate management for bicycles and electric bicycles. It is critical that land managers and local mountain bikers work together to determine where eMTBs are and are not appropriate on current and future mountain bike trails. The proposed rule includes an admirable planning process to achieve this, which could be made stronger by clarifying the timeline for NEPA analysis.

The final rule should be improved by following the International Mountain Bicycling Association’s management recommendations: managing the three classes of e-bikes separately from one another, and prohibiting class 2 and class 3 eMTBs on natural surface, non-motorized trails. This is to maintain the spirit of traditional mountain bicycling by ensuring pedal-assisted use, and maintaining reasonable speeds for the safety of all users.
Thank you for the willingness to engage with the mountain bike community.

Sincerely,
[name, location, contact information]
Thank you for taking action!
CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR COMMENTS
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Filed Under: Public Announcements

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Our sponsors

Our Mission:

The Roaring Fork Mountain Bike Association is dedicated to creating and sustaining the best possible mountain bike trail system in the Roaring Fork Valley. Our territory ranges from New Castle to Aspen and from McClure Pass to Hagerman Pass.

Your membership supports great local trails like Hummingbird, Vasten, Grandstaff, Prince Creek and more!

CLICK HERE TO JOIN/RENEW NOW!

Annual Memberships, Business Sponsorships and Donations help RFMBA accomplish great things for trails and the mountain bike community! Your Membership helps RFMBA to advocate for improving the trail system and increase our ability to partner on projects with land managers to maintain our existing trails and build new ones. In 2019 we are expanding our efforts to include a Seasonal Trail Crew and the an independent volunteer Trail Agent program to keep our trails in best possible condition! Thank you for supporting and aiding our efforts! Our Trails Check out MTBproject.com for existing trails in our area. This collaborative trail guide website currently shows many, although not yet all, of the best rides in our valley. Post your rides, photos, and trail conditions today! More ways to help: Use the following PayPal link to make a One-Time or Monthly-Recurring (tax deductible) donation to RFMBA. You will be redirected to PayPal’s secure server to complete your transaction.

News and Events

  • Lower Lower Plunge Re-Route #1
    Lower Lower Plunge Re-Route #1
  • Public Survey for Marolt OS, Bike Park Opportunity!
    Public Survey for Marolt OS, Bike Park Opportunity!
  • Job Posting – 2021 Seasonal Trail Crew Members Wanted!
    Job Posting – 2021 Seasonal Trail Crew Members Wanted!
  • Aspen Fat Bike Race 2021
    Aspen Fat Bike Race 2021
  • Members and Supporters of RFMBA, We Salute You!
    Members and Supporters of RFMBA, We Salute You!

Sign up for important trail info

https://www.rfmba.org/thank-you/

Trail closures:

Snowmass Village:

– Tom Blake, Aerobic Nightmare, Sequel, Government, Buttermilk Bowls trails and everything in the Bike Park (Opens June 21).

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