News Release Archive

Reclamation seeks comments on e-bike regulations

Media Contact: Peter Soeth, 303-445-3615, psoeth@usbr.gov
Linda Friar, 202-513-0544, lfriar@usbr.gov

For Release: April 02, 2020

People riding a bike near a Reclamation reservoir. (Photo by Dave Walsh, Reclamation)
People riding a bike near a Reclamation reservoir. (Photo by Dave Walsh, Reclamation)WASHINGTON - The Bureau of Reclamation announced an upcoming 60-day public comment period on proposed changes to its off-road vehicle regulations that would address use of electric bikes, also known as e-bikes. This effort supports Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt’s call to expand access to e-bikes on Reclamation open roads and trails where non-motorized bicycles are allowed.

“This is an important rule that will give more Americans access to lands that they may not have been able to access before,” said Reclamation Commissioner Brenda Burman. “Reclamation is working hard to implement Secretary Bernhardt's order to make it easier for more Americans to recreate on and experience public lands.”

This public comment period provides an opportunity for the public to offer feedback on the proposed rule. This review includes an opportunity to comment on the potential criteria authorized officers would use in normal local planning processes when determining whether to allow e-bikes on trails closed to off-road vehicles. Reclamation will consider all public feedback in crafting its final rule.

The public comment period will begin once the rule is published in the Federal Register. Interested parties may submit comments, identified by the number RIN 1006-AA57, by any of the following methods:

  • Mail/Personal or messenger delivery (utilizing social distancing): Bureau of Reclamation, Denver Federal Center Building 67, Attention: 86-67200 (RAlcorn), P.O. Box 25007, Denver, CO 80225-0007
  • Federal eRulemaking portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instruction at this website.

You can learn more about recreation on Bureau of Reclamation lands at www.usbr.gov/recreation.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

Relevant Link:

Proposed Regulation RIN 1006-AA57

Federal Register Notice