Segways now allowed on the Rio Grande Trail

Should electric powered bicycles, Segways, Trikkes, and scooters be allowed on hiking and biking trails?

Should electric vehicles
be allowed on trails?

That is the current debate. How do we assure trail access to people with handicaps while still maintaining the pristine environment of the trail?

As you read this, legislators are wrestling with this issue. But local trail authorities are not waiting for a final answer. Some, like the Roaring Fork Transit Authority are taking steps to make trails more handicapped accessible. The RFTA is in charge of the Rio Grande Trail in western Colorado. The trail runs from Glenwood Springs, CO to Aspen, CO. They have decided to allow Segways on the trail; but only disabled trail-users who can prove their disability (if requested) are allowed to use electric-powered vehicles on the trail.

One of the major goals of trailsnet is to increase the visibility and usage of trails worldwide. That is why we mainly feature trails that are accessible to all ages and abilities. Providing trail access to those with disabilities is the right thing to do. Everyone should be able to use our wonderful network of trails.

Segways now allowed on the Rio Grande Trail

Should electric bikes be allowed on trails?

The Rio Grande Trail near Aspen, Colorado has recently banned electric bikes and Segways.

Segway on Glenwood Canyon Trail

It's a sticky issue. For some people such as the elderly and disabled, electric bikes may be just the incentive to get them out exploring our wonderful U.S. trails. If used properly, electric bikes still allow the rider to get exercise while providing assistance on hills or for that last stretch when they don't quite have the energy to finish a ride under their own pedal power.

On the other hand, allowing electric bikes on trails could also create problems that would be hard for law enforcement officers. Which types should be allowed in which areas for how long? Sometimes it's just easier to say, no motorized vehicles, period; and leave it at that.

Personally, I'd like to see different rules on different trails, just like we currently have for equestrians, cyclists, hikers, and inline skaters. I've enjoyed riding a Segway on the Glenwood Canyon Trail and I've ridden a motorized bicycle on the Coal Creek Trail. But mostly, I prefer to ride my bike or hike on trails. I'm a big fan of peace, quiet, and a slower pace on the trails.

This sounds like a new topic for the reader's survey in the left hand column of this blog.As soon as we're done with the fall colors survey, you'll get a chance to let me know what you think? Should electric bikes and Segways be allowed on our trails? (If you can't wait for the survey, feel free to hit the comment button below and leave your comment about this topic.)

Should electric bikes be allowed on trails?

Should Segways be allowed on trails?

Okay, readers; here's a tough question.

Should Segways be allowed on trails? An article by American Trails shows a recent ruling by a federal judge that says that Segways aren't in the same category as wheelchairs, so in essence, the answer appears to be, "no!"

I can certainly see the reasoning behind this ruling, but I've also got to admit, I've enjoyed riding Segways on trails in the past. They are motorized, and I'm not a big fan of motorized vehicles on trails, but they're also different than most motorized vehicles. For one thing, they're a lot slower than motorcycles and ATVs.
I would also guess that, in addition to being safer, they probably don't cause much trail damage, either.

So, I'm curious what you think. Take the poll in the right hand column and send in any comments. I'm torn between my previous experience on Segways (positive) and my previous experiences w/ other motorized vehicles on trails (negative).

Should Segways be allowed on trails?