OC Parks was given the green light to amend rules by US Fish and Wildlife to allow ebike access. OC Parks Management is instead trying to limit trail access citing trail user conflicts and increase usage. The OC Parks subcommittee trail management board will be reviewing this and deciding on how to proceed and what recommendations to make to the OC Parks advisory board and they will make final recommendation to the County Supervisors. We will keep the pressure on. One of our members has applied for a seat on the OC Parks trail management board and was told that he would be notified when a vacancy opens up. 

The concern is that OC Parks management (staff) seems to be pushing this idea that do to trail conflicts and increase usage that they need to have some pilot programs changing multiuse trails to single use and single direction trails. This means less access for all trail users. The OC Parks Advisory board seemed to be ok with this and directed management to look into it.

Through a FOIA request we also obtained a copy of a study that was done about a year ago where trail users were interviewed. It is unhinged citing the need for greater enforcement for what we believe largely are non-existent trail problems and conflicts. 

Another words should the 2% non-compliant users be causing 100% of the trail use to be changed or limited to everyone? We don't think so. 

Anyway the good news is that this guidance letter by US Fish and Wildlife seems to be a positive step towards gaining ebike access to OC Parks.

Under pressure from us and our supporters OC Parks Management requested direction from US Fish and Wildlife on permitting E-bikes in OC Parks. Through the freedom of information act we were able to obtain a copy of the response from US Fish and Wildlife which is posted here. We believe this is progress as it comes on the heels of the Department of Interior's order to allow e-bikes in National Parks and on other Federal land under their jurisdiction.

Please support the Electric Mountain Bike Association. If you are not a member please become a member. Membership is free. Please make a monthly donation to help support us. For those that do we will send you a compact emergency thermal blanket. 

Did you know that there is an exception to the OC Parks ban on E-bikes? If you have a mobility disability and state so when pulled over that the ranger will waive you on pursuant to the DOJ 2011 rule? And that no public employee is allowed to ask you for further proof or about your disability? The Ebike is your OPDMD (other power driven mobility device). If you would like us to send you a 2" x 2" mobility disability sticker for your down tube, please make a recurring donation and request one for each of your e-bikes. 

Please send any questions to EMTBAssociation@gmail.com

Thank you all for your support!