I am a resident of Jackson County who once weighed over 300lbs. My sedentary lifestyle, largely due to my work-from-home job, was taking a toll on my health. Then, I discovered E-Bikes and it changed everything for me. It allowed me to exercise with friends without slowing them down due to my physical condition. We prefer trails over roads for safety reasons and have been riding for almost two years now.

However, recently I was informed that the bike that has been instrumental in improving my health is not allowed on the trail because it's a Class 2 E-Bike. The current Ordinance 5013.5 only allows Class 1 and Class 3 E-Bikes on Jackson County Park Trails, excluding Class 2 models because they have a throttle. Class 1 and Class 2 E-bikes are limited to 20mph and Class 3 E-bikes are limited to 28mph. The only difference between a Class 1 and 2 bike is the existence of the throttle on the Class 2.

This exclusion seems arbitrary and unfair given the similarities between these classes of bikes and their shared goal of promoting healthier lifestyles among residents like myself.

We urge the local authorities to reconsider this rule and allow all classes of E-bikes on our park trails so more people can enjoy outdoor activities safely while improving their fitness levels. This change will not only benefit individuals but also contribute towards creating a healthier community in Jackson County.

Please sign this petition if you believe everyone should have equal access to our park trails for Class 1, 2, and 3 E-bikes.