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Support Class 1 E-bike Access in Oregon’s Deschutes National Forest

Apr 19, 2025

Categories: Action Alert | E-bike | Map | Mountain Biking | Oregon
Why you should submit here, even if you already have elsewhere!

We keep them honest. If everyone only comments through the government/agency site, we have to take their word on how many comments were received. By submitting through BRC, we create an independent record of our community’s response that can’t be buried or under-reported.

We protect your voice. If this fight ends up in court, having our own record of submitted comments means we don’t have to wait a year or more for a government agency to turn over documents. We can move quickly with proof that thousands of you spoke up.
We keep you in the loop. When you comment through our site, we can send you updates on what comes next. If you only use the government/agency site, you’re depending on them to tell you what happens next — and they won’t.

Double coverage matters. Even if you’ve already commented through the government/agency site, submitting through ours makes your voice count twice — once in their system, and once in ours. That way they know the OHV community is watching and tracking every move.

For years, BRC has been trusted to run action alerts like this. Thousands of members and supporters have used this system effectively to defend access to public lands. This isn’t about collecting your info — it’s about building the strongest, most transparent record possible to hold agencies accountable.

Why you should submit here, even if you already have elsewhere!

We keep them honest. If everyone only comments through the government/agency site, we have to take their word on how many comments were received. By submitting through BRC, we create an independent record of our community’s response that can’t be buried or under-reported.

We protect your voice. If this fight ends up in court, having our own record of submitted comments means we don’t have to wait a year or more for a government agency to turn over documents. We can move quickly with proof that thousands of you spoke up.

We keep you in the loop. When you comment through our site, we can send you updates on what comes next. If you only use the government/agency site, you’re depending on them to tell you what happens next — and they won’t.

Double coverage matters. Even if you’ve already commented through the government/agency site, submitting through ours makes your voice count twice — once in their system, and once in ours. That way they know the OHV community is watching and tracking every move.

For years, BRC has been trusted to run action alerts like this. Thousands of members and supporters have used this system effectively to defend access to public lands. This isn’t about collecting your info — it’s about building the strongest, most transparent record possible to hold agencies accountable.

The USDA Forest Service is proposing to allow Class 1, pedal-assist electric bicycles (e-bikes) on approximately 161 miles of existing trails and paved paths in Oregon’s Deschutes National Forest. This includes popular riding areas such as Peterson Ridge, Phil’s Trail, Wanoga, and Sunriver.

The proposal covers 67 existing trails located within the Bend-Fort Rock and Sisters Ranger Districts. No new trail construction is planned—this effort is focused solely on permitting e-bikes on current non-motorized trails.

In 2024, the Forest Service released a draft Environmental Assessment (EA) analyzing the impacts of allowing Class 1 e-bikes. The EA only considers Class 1 e-bikes, which provide assistance only when the rider is pedaling and do not have a throttle.

A key part of this process is an amendment to the Newberry National Volcanic Monument Comprehensive Management Plan. This national monument is located within the national forest and would effect proposed trails. Currently, e-bikes are only allowed on motorized trails within the monument. To move forward with the proposed e-bike access on non-motorized trails, this amendment must be approved.

Add Your Voice

The Forest Service is now accepting public comments on this plan amendment. Submit your comments by using the tool below by midnight ET May 3, 2025.

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