I returned to my adopted home town of Durango after months of travel to find that I am banned from using my new RadRover electric bike on the bike trails that my taxes support. Based on the Durango Herald story (May 7), I conclude that the Parks and Recreation director and City Council apparently do not know how to manage safety on the bike trails, therefore they took the politically expedient route of banning something for the appearance of being proactive.
This ill-considered ban does not actually address the issue of safety, although public safety is cited as the reason behind the ban. The relevant safety factors in bicycle usage are speed, skill of rider, condition of equipment and riding surface. Electric pedal assist is not a negative safety factor. How it is used by the rider is the safety factor.
Electric bike riders are not necessarily or generally lazy or dangerous, just as non-electric bike riders are not necessarily or generally rude or dangerous. Exceptions, however, can be observed all over Durango.
The Parks and Recreation Department should provide safe trails, set appropriate speed limits and monitor the trails for unacceptable behavior if it wants to influence public safety. Of course, enforcing traffic regulations and speed limits is challenging. Do we not support a police department to execute that function?
Similar to Bill “Beatle” Abshagen, who was quoted in the story, I purchased an electric bike to better enjoy riding on challenging terrain. I find that the electric pedal assist now allows me to enjoy area rides and return to my home at the top of the ridge in Trappers Crossing without requiring an automobile to haul myself and the bike back up.
We want Durango to be an inclusive community that shares public facilities in a safe and responsible manner. That should be a goal of the City Council. I urge the council to reconsider this issue and look to best practices in other communities.
Joseph Donnaway
Hesperus
