[SDCBC] Motor scooters in the Rose Canyon Bike Path.

[Eric Converse]

There are specific laws regarding this matter.  Low-power electric bicycles and motor scooters (capable of speeds less than 20mph) are allowed on those paths.  In some states the speed is higher.  However, in California the law specifically states 20mph and less.  I don't want anyone to get the wrong idea that our legal electric bicycles are not allowed on all of the same pathways as normal bicycles.

See:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_bicycle_laws#California

Excerpt from the article on wikipedia:
TEA-21 and SAFETEA-LU[clarify] Specify that legal Ebikes, as defined above, are legal on urban bicycle
trail systems getting any federal funding unless states or local
entities have passed laws specifically dis-allowing electric assist
bicycles. Under Federal Law, Ebikes are NOT considered motor vehicles
unless the state or local entity has passed a law otherwise.

There is a misconception that when "motor vehicles" or "motorized
vehicles" are disallowed by law or by signage, that this always means
ebikes are illegal on trails. This is untrue in many states; these
terms do not include "legal low power electric assist bicycles", and
can only be banned by passing a specific state or local law. (See
TEA-21 Federal DOT Law)

Best regards,

Eric Converse
ATIV Solutions LLC
www.ativsolutions.com


----- Original Message ----
From: "JonIsaacs at aol.com" <JonIsaacs at aol.com>
To: rob_leone at earthlink.net; sdcbc at bikesandiego.org
Sent: Friday, July 11, 2008 9:13:53 AM
Subject: Re: [SDCBC] Motor scooters in the Rose Canyon Bike Path.

In a message dated 7/11/2008 5:27:22 AM Pacific Daylight Time, rob_leone at earthlink.net writes:


Dear SDCbCers:
  Try not to laugh, but when I was remonstrating with a fellow on an old 
Honda C70 motorscooter to not ride on the Rose Canyonb Bike Path, my 
strongest argument was that if it WERE meant for motorized vehicles it 
wouldn't have those blind spots.
  Suggestions would be appreciated.
Robert Leone

Rob:

I have observed several motorbikes, electric bicycles etc using the Rose Canyon Bike path.  It does bother me at times and as far as I have been able to determine, it is illegal.

However I have decided to try to change my attitude.  So that while it is illegal, I think that as long as they are riding in a courteous and safe manner, I think it OUGHT to be legal.  As Mark has said, people operating such vehicles face the same issues as cyclists and IMHO such vehicles will be part of the transportation solution of the future.

Of course the difficulty is that as long as the numbers are small and the riders reasonable, then they do not present a traffic issue.  On the other hand, if suddenly there were considerable numbers so such vehicles became a significant part of the traffic load, then there would be real issues and one speeding small motorcycle could wreck havoc.   Many cyclists ride the Rose Canyon path at speeds greater than a motorized bicycle is capable of but many do not.   

Just thinking out loud...  

What to say...  "You know you are not supposed to be here so you better be considerate and very careful."  ????


Jon


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