Council hears push to expand Class 1 e-bike access on Durango trails

Scott McLean, Parks and Recreation, told the council that Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed on the city's paved shared-use paths (about 15 miles) while only Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes are permitted on city open-space singletrack (roughly 33 miles including Twin Butte and Durango Mesa). "Class 1 would be a pedal assist. The motor stops working at 20 miles an hour," McLean said, and he emphasized that conservation easements and Bureau of Land Management rules limit where the city can change access.

Council members asked staff where the city has clear authority to expand access and whether a phased approach could add trails such as the Rim Trail while leaving GOCO-restricted parcels unchanged. One councilor asked about signage and enforcement after noting signs are frequently removed; McLean acknowledged enforcement challenges and said rangers and police have increased patrols but that management remains difficult.

Multiple public commenters urged broader access on equity and safety grounds. "Ebikes are a really big help for me to continue to ride," said Rick Cobb, a longtime local rider, noting e-bikes allow older or injured residents to stay active. Jody Ferdie said limiting pedal-assist access on open space "drastically discriminates against equitable access on our public lands" and urged the council to direct staff to negotiate easement changes where feasible.

La Plata Open Space Conservancy executive director Dr. Jennifer Zirotka, calling in from an online connection, offered to join conversations with the city. "We are not about banning ebikes," she said, but noted the conservancy must uphold conservation values and legal obligations tied to grants and easements. City staff committed to further outreach with LPOC, GOCO, BLM and other partners and to follow up on options for phased implementation where authority is clear.