Although we have made progress we still have a long way to go.
If you have time please attend the O. C. Parks Supervisor meeting tonight to show your support for e-bike access.
Below is the address for the OC Parks meeting taking place November 7, 2019 at 7:00pm. Don’t forget to sign up when you arrive if you would like to make a public comment (of up to 3 minutes).
The Parks Commission meeting will take place at the Mess Hall conference room at 13042 Old Myford Road, Irvine, CA 92602.
Updates:
At the last meeting (see the video) held on 10-3-19 The Electric Mountain Bike Association presented our petition signed by over 3800 supporters, a letter, public comments and copies of the the following Federal Law, State Law and The Department of the Interiors order stating that e-bikes are considered to be the same as bikes with the same access rights.
Department of Interior Order 3376 dated Aug 29, 2019,
Department of Interior Policy Memorandum 19-01 dated Aug 30, 2019,
Federal Public Law 107-319 dated Dec. 4, 2002 and
California state Law AB1096 dated Jan 1 2016.
The Director of OC parks Stacy Blackwood stated that the reason for the e-bike ban was because there were easements (deed restrictions) from when OC Parks acquired the land. She was waiting to see what Fish and Game does. Subsequently Fish and game followed the Departments of Interiors order and now allows e-bikes.
Under the Freedom of Information Act The Electric Mountain Bike Association obtained copies of the easements.
Bottom line is that low power pedal assist e-bikes are considered just bikes and not motorized vehicles by the state and federal laws stated above. These easements (Deed restrictions) against motorized vehicles do not apply to low power assist e-bikes that are classified as class 1 and 2 by State and Federal law the department of Interior's order.
The Board also asked Stacy Blackwood to find out what other nearby County Parks are doing. We found that Other counties such as San Diego, Riverside and others do not ban e-bikes. Here is a copy of our report that we will be presenting tonight at the OC Parks Commission meeting will take place at the Mess Hall conference room at 13042 Old Myford Road, Irvine, CA 92602 at 7PM.
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Thank you for your support.
Steve Spiro, Executive Director
Electric Mountain Bike Association