MBs on Bike Paths...

John-Forrest

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This is a tricky issue I've been wondering about. Should Motorized Bikes be allowed on bike paths? It would certainly be convenient as more and more bike paths get built over old railtrails - and they are talking about interstate bike paths! It would be nice to get away from crazy highways and roads where you're risking your life wondering whether that big truck behind you sees you or not.

On the other hand, I also ride a regular bicycle and love the peace and quiet of being on a bike path usually in scenic areas. It might get crazy with motorbikers, the noise, the smell of gas. So I can understand the point of view of a bicycler.

I can easily picture electric bikes on the bike path; that seems to be ok. I have ridden my MB on bike paths without turning on motor - people look at me kind of funny, but seem to tolerate it. But on longer stretches on a day when there is little traffic, it would be nice to turn on motor, and keep it a steady 20 or so.

As the energy crisis gets really bad and prices go up to $5 gallon (and, believe me, they will!), there may be a demand that mopeds and MBs could share bike path. But can the bikers accept us? Perhaps a wider path with lanes?

What do you think?
 
It's a no go. The law in my state, MA, states no motorized bikes on bike paths or parks.
Besides that, there is no better way to shut down motorized bikes than get crossed up with cycling interest. Just my take, avoid them as much as possible particularly during busy periods when there is a lot of traffic.

Now, I think it would be convenient as heck but ICEs just don't mix. I don't agree with that and think it's ironic that Ebikes get a better review by cyclists and much of the public in general as being greener. They make less noise generally but the power that charged the battery pack was generated miles away where no one sees it and I'd challenge anyone on the environmental impact of my 35cc 4 stoke vs an oil/coal fired plant or nuke.

Nimby, not in my back yard but it makes people feel good though. Like rail trails. Sorry, bike trails are nice but every rail line shut down and made into a bike trail is one less light rail or train we should have operating for mass transit and freight and offering real solutions to an energy shortfall.
 
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It's an intriguing question: Bikes or trains? Obviously human powered bicycles are the most energy efficient and least polluting method of transportation. Trains are somewhat cumbersome, heavy, and noisy. The irony is, now that energy is becoming a big issue, people have been thinking about bring back trains - and the quickest solution to that would be build rails where the bike paths are. A difficult choice!

Maybe we should tear up the interstates and put trains there. (Joke)

Meanwhile it's pretty scary for us on MBs, mopeds, electric bikes, and low cc motorscooters, competing with cars, SUVs, and trucks on the highways. Perhaps we should become vocal about accommodation for us!

I personally cannot see a problem with 35cc MBs and electric bikes on bike paths. They are pretty quiet and low speed. When we see a lot of traffic, we can shut off our motors and pedal. I would not feel right about riding my 80cc MB on a bike path, but I cannot see the problem with pedalling on stretches of bike paths to avoid busy highways.

Anyway, we should demand special lanes for ourselves! I picture a six foot wide lane on side of all major highways, even on interstates! (With a guard rail for protection.)
 
now you have done it. that takes tax money. expect to be skewered. i'll bet i can name the next four respondents who will include pages of quotes. ready set go.
 
I pull my 2 grandkids all over in their trailer...
my rule of thumb is :
pedal on cement (sidewalk)
motor on asphault (pavement)

I have never had anyone complain while pedalling on sidewalk (usual coment is 'oh, how cute' !!!)
 
One other problem with any bike on "bike" paths is the pedestrians. They put earphones on at the highest volume possible and then they wander all over the path like they're lost.

They are downright dangerous and I avoid them.
 
As the energy crisis gets really bad and prices go up to $5 gallon (and, believe me, they will!),

Meanwhile it's pretty scary for us on MBs, mopeds, electric bikes, and low cc motorscooters, competing with cars, SUVs, and trucks on the highways. Perhaps we should become vocal about accommodation for us!

Most likely they'll be a vectoring of these two factors, $5 gal gas and up and a huge decrease in miles driven by those SUVs, trucks and cars.
 
The interesting thing about us is we can be a bicycle OR a motorized vehicle. Legally, if you have a motor on your bike, you're a moped, but that currently doesn't seem to be enforced. I figure if I shut off my engine, I'm a bicycle and see no problem with using surfaces that are for bikes only. There are people who don't even bother to register as moped, but seem to get away with it.

Has anyone ever been pulled over by a cop?

I suppose when there are hundreds of MBs everywhere, the lawmakers will be forced to figure out what to do with us. I'm sure they will want to make money off us. But if they do that, they better give us space to ride - not on trashy, potholed, glassy sideways! Ever notice how there is NO maintenance on right side of road?

Maybe we should keep a low profile (joke).
 
The interesting thing about us is we can be a bicycle OR a motorized vehicle. Legally, if you have a motor on your bike, you're a moped, but that currently doesn't seem to be enforced. I figure if I shut off my engine, I'm a bicycle and see no problem with using surfaces that are for bikes only. There are people who don't even bother to register as moped, but seem to get away with it.

Has anyone ever been pulled over by a cop?

I suppose when there are hundreds of MBs everywhere, the lawmakers will be forced to figure out what to do with us. I'm sure they will want to make money off us. But if they do that, they better give us space to ride - not on trashy, potholed, glassy sideways! Ever notice how there is NO maintenance on right side of road?

Maybe we should keep a low profile (joke).

That's why I believe it's necessary for us to become proactive at least in the category of common sense. Shutting down your engine in pedestrian areas as you suggest is a good start, you're on just another bicycle.

And along those lines is why I'm also a proponent of MBs looking like bicycles as the name suggests: motorized bicycles. As recently stated by another member here in the legal forum:

Originally Posted by eastwoodo4
Tip...If you build a motor assisted bicycle , keep it looking like a bicycle . Choppers and mini harleys look cool but do not look like bicycles and will attract too much attention and usually trouble from police as well since they do not look like a bicycle. Just a tip to reduce trouble with police. Police are typicall pretty cool and if you are riding a bicycle and it looks like a bicycle, typically they will not bother you at all.
 
if MBs were allowed on bike paths

One other problem with any bike on "bike" paths is the pedestrians.

it will only be a matter of time before someone is seriously injured
some MBs would travel speeds of 20 30 mph
people would not like the noise going by them

I think some home owners insurance policies ((may)) cover us on a bicycle
but ((would not)) cover a motorized bicycle

these THINGS will be settled before long -- test cases to come

let's not rush it by using bike paths

ride those things on the street
 
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