ABQ Times

The City of Albuquerque's new e-bike Ordinance (O-24-14) has officially become law. This legislation permits the operation of all classes of e-bikes on paved multi-use trails and open space trails, except where an underlying landowner has not approved e-bike use or where the Parks & Recreation Department (PRD) has closed trails to e-bikes. The law also sets a maximum speed limit of 20 mph on all City trails unless a lower speed limit is posted.

“We want everyone to ride safely while respecting all trail users,” said Dave Simon, Director of the Parks and Recreation Department.

Trails open to e-bike use are identified on an online map and will eventually be marked by on-site signage.

Effective immediately, PRD is implementing the new law with several management approaches:

Paved, multi-use trails (not on Open Space): All City-managed paved, multi-use trails that are not on Open Space are open to e-bikes of all classes. This includes the North Diversion Channel, I-40, Paseo de las Montañas, Hahn Arroyo, and other paved trails in the City's multi-use trail network.

Open Space trails:

Foothills Open Space: A limited number of Foothills trails are open to e-bikes on an experimental basis to evaluate their use and management issues. Other open space trails in the Foothills are temporarily closed pending further technical evaluation for potential e-bike use, public input, and installation of thorough signage. Since the U.S. Forest Service does not allow e-bikes, Open Space trails that cross onto USFS land are among those Foothills trails closed to e-bikes. Trails open and closed to e-bikes can be seen on this map.

Bosque Open Space: Both paved and unpaved Open Space trails in the Bosque on lands owned by the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD) are currently closed to e-bikes per the City Ordinance because MRGCD also requires a public engagement process regarding proposed e-bike use. The City and MRGCD will collaborate on these decisions; however, the public input process is still being determined. In the meantime, the City has made a written request to MRGCD to immediately approve e-bike use on two paved, multi-use trails in open space owned by MRGCD where they have shared jurisdiction (Paseo del Bosque, Alameda Drain/2nd Street trails) and has asked MRGCD to act as soon as possible.

West Mesa Open Space: The hard-surface Paseo de la Mesa Trail is open to e-bikes. Other unpaved trails on the West Mesa are temporarily closed pending further technical evaluation, public input, and installation of signage.

East Mountain Open Space: All unpaved trails are temporarily closed pending further technical evaluation, public input, and installation of signage.

Powered Micromobility Devices: To address evolving technology and expanding use of smaller electronic-powered devices such as e-scooters, one-wheels, and e-skateboards, the new law defines powered micromobility devices. These devices are limited to paved trails only and subject them to trail speed limits.

Speed Limit: The maximum speed for all bicycles (analog and e-bikes) on all trails is 20 mph unless a lower speed is posted. All unpaved trails in Open Space that are now or may be opened in the future will have a maximum 15 mph speed limit or lower in some areas as posted.

As part of its implementation strategy, PRD will evaluate existing trail use, width, and technicality to determine which trails will be proposed for future e-bike use.

Education is considered crucial for trail etiquette compliance with the new law. PRD plans a robust public education effort regarding appropriate trail use with community partners' help. Additionally, PRD aims to install trail signage that includes lowering speed limits near trailheads and congested areas. These changes will also be reflected in the City's online map.

PRD is exploring both existing approaches and new technologies to monitor rider speeds encouraging compliance with safe trail usage guidelines.

Any citations for violations of the Traffic Code would be issued by APD.