In March of this year, BlueRibbon Coalition informed our members about the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) scoping effort to consider allowing electric bikes (e-bikes) on select non-motorized trails in the Cedar City Field Office in southwest Utah. We’re pleased to report that the BLM has now released the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for this proposal, bringing us one step closer to securing expanded access for e-bike users in the Cedar City Field Office.
The BLM is proposing to allow Class 1 e-bikes on approximately 114 miles of existing non-motorized trails within the Cedar City Field Office. These trails include high-use recreation areas such as Iron Hills, Three Peaks, and the Shurtz Canyon trail systems which are very popular with mountain bikers and local trail enthusiasts.
The EA evaluates three alternatives:
- Alternative A (No Action): E-bikes would remain prohibited on non-motorized trails.
- Alternative B (Proposed Action): Allow Class 1 e-bikes on 114 miles of trails where traditional bikes are already allowed.
- Alternative C: Would allow Class 1 e-bikes on a smaller subset of 60 miles of trails.
BRC’s Position: Support for Alternative B
BRC supports Alternative B, which provides the greatest opportunity for recreation access and inclusion. Allowing Class 1 e-bikes on these trails recognizes the evolving nature of outdoor recreation and gives more Americans the ability to enjoy public lands.
E-bikes are a vital access tool for older riders, people with physical limitations, and families with young children who want to recreate together. These bikes expand access while maintaining the spirit of non-motorized trail use. Class 1 e-bikes are low-powered pedal-assist bikes with no throttle and limited speeds, making them appropriate for shared-use trails without degrading the user experience.
Alternative B also complies with the EXPLORE Act which was passed in 2024 that requires agencies such as the BLM to expand recreation and motorized recreation opportunities on public lands. The Draft EA demonstrates that impacts from e-bike use are comparable to those of traditional mountain bikes. BLM has appropriately identified trail segments that are suited for multi-use, low-impact recreation.
Public comments on the Draft EA are open until July 8, 2025. BRC encourages our members and the broader outdoor recreation community to submit supportive comments by using the form below and including your own points of view. Let the BLM know that e-bike access is an important part of modern, inclusive recreation.
