300+ Signatures!
300+ Signatures in 3 days....It's great seeing the advocacy of the use of Class 1 Ebikes on our local MTB trails.
I've attached a screen shot of the email I just sent Mr. Callender of Polk County Parks & Rec. I hope it helps explain what it is that we are fighting for!
To those of us that ride, and have made the switch to the Ebike or just added one to our bike collection, it's all very simple and logical, a no brainer....but like anything, people are scarred of and hate what is new or what they don't know or understand. Their only reaction is to belittle, ban, heckle, and restrict. A recent post on one of the MTB groups is what made me feel enough is enough, there is no room in this sport for division, it's just not part of the culture. I commend ANYONE and EVERYONE that rides on the trail, from unicycle to Ebike. Here is to all of you! #strongertogether
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Hello Mr. Callender,
I just wanted to give you a quick update, and I hope you will pass this along. We have reached 300+ signatures in 3 days. The response from all over the country has been more than I could have imagined. Petition: http://chng.it/Dm2Kp4QQ
This petition has sparked the forming of a social media group: FEAT - Florida Ebike Advocacy Team
FEAT is gaining new members every day and helping spread awareness and fighting the disinformation about Ebikes, and there are group gatherings being organized as we speak.
I am finding that most park issues are with the use of Class 2 and Class 3 Ebikes, so I want to be clear that we are only fighting for the use of Class 1.
We agree that anyone using a Class 2 or 3 at ANY park where not permitted should be fined heavily as a deterrent.
Lastly, I would like your Risk Management team to be aware of all the studies that have been done by IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association).
Here is a case study: A Comparison of Environmental Impacts from Mountain Bicycles, Class 1 Electric Mountain Bicycles, and Motorcycles: Soil Displacement and Erosion on Bike-Optimized Trails in a Western Oregon Forest
Granted, this is from 2015, however, not much has changed since that time, and there are numerous other studies and information that can be found here:
https://www.imba.com/education/emtb
Please pass along this information to the appropriate parties, as we want to ensure that the Rick Management team is doing their due diligence.
I again thank you for your time, and please feel free to reach out to us with any concerns or questions.
Johnny Louis
FEAT: - Florida Ebike Advocacy Team
J7VM – www.J7VM.com