Keeping Up With the Times / E-Bike Ordinance

Even Big Stone Gap's Greenbelt Trail isn't immune to changing technology

By John W. Peace II / www.BackPorchTalesAndTravels.com

Technology has a way of sneaking up on us. Artificial intelligence is changing how our children learn, how businesses operate, and how folks make a living. Computers can write reports, answer telephones, and carry on conversations that sound almost human. Farmers have tractors guided by satellites, and some automobiles are driving themselves. Sometimes it seems the only thing technology hasn't figured out is how to make a teenager clean up his bedroom.

But who would have thought that a walking and bicycle trail developed decades ago in the little mountain town of Big Stone Gap, Virginia, would someday find itself dealing with a technology problem?

Big Stone Gap's Greenbelt Trail has long been a favorite place for residents to walk, jog, ride bicycles, and enjoy some fresh mountain air. For years, the biggest concern might have been somebody walking three abreast or a dog investigating every tree along the trail.

Then along came electric bicycles, better known as e-bikes.

These aren't exactly the bicycles many of us grew up riding. Some have electric motors that assist while pedaling, while others can move without pedaling at all. Depending on the type, they can travel at speeds that would have made our old Schwinn bicycles mighty jealous.

A Growing Safety Concern

Town Manager Steve Lawson recently introduced a proposed Bicycle and Electric Power-Assisted Bicycle Safety Ordinance for the Greenbelt and designated shared-use areas of Bullitt Park.

Lawson says the proposal followed numerous complaints about e-bikes traveling at high speeds in areas shared with pedestrians. After personally observing the situation, he concluded something needed to be done before somebody got seriously hurt.

But Lawson emphasizes this isn't about discouraging youngsters from enjoying the outdoors.

"No town in Southwest VA has dedicated more to parks and recreation for the children of an area in the last 50 years than Big Stone Gap. We don't want parents to see this as an ordinance against a kid's activity, but a necessary ordinance for their safety," Lawson said.

He points to the Town's recent investment in a new bike and skate park as another example of its commitment to young people.

Lawson remembers growing up in Big Stone Gap, riding bicycles through fields, woods, and neighborhood yards. He admits that if somebody had handed him a bicycle capable of today's speeds, he'd probably have wanted to see just how fast the thing would go.

Most of us can relate to that. The difference is that our old bicycles required a whole lot more leg power, especially going uphill.

A Councilman's Personal Perspective

Town Councilman Adam L. Harris, who serves on the Public Safety Committee, shares Lawson's concerns.

Harris says he has heard from numerous constituents about bicycle safety and personally witnessed occasions when children came dangerously close to being struck by vehicles. He has also noticed increased e-bike use along the Greenbelt.

For Harris, bicycle safety is more than another matter before the Town Council. A young man close to him, Skylar McMahan, was killed while riding a bicycle, a loss that strengthened his commitment to preventing similar tragedies.

"I want to do everything reasonably within my ability to make sure our children get home safely and that no family has to experience the heartbreak of losing a loved one because of a preventable accident," Harris said.

What Would the Ordinance Do?

The proposal would permit traditional bicycles and Class 1 e-bikes while prohibiting Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes on the Greenbelt and designated shared-use routes, subject to Virginia law.

Class 1 bicycles provide electric assistance only while pedaling, up to 20 mph. Class 2 bicycles can operate using a throttle without pedaling, also up to 20 mph. Class 3 bicycles provide pedal assistance up to 28 mph.

The ordinance would also require riders to yield to pedestrians, maintain reasonable speeds, and avoid racing or reckless riding. Electric bicycles would be prohibited from the new pump track, which would be reserved for traditional pedal-powered bicycles.

The proposal has not been adopted. It requires a public hearing, legal review, and consideration by the Town Council.

A Message to Parents

With Christmas approaching, both Lawson and Harris encourage parents to learn about e-bike classifications and safety before purchasing one for their children.

Lawson suggests waiting until the Town establishes its rules, while Harris stresses properly fitted helmets, safe riding habits, and awareness of surrounding traffic.

Neither official wants children to stop riding bicycles. Their stated goal is to make shared recreational spaces safer for everybody.

Technology isn't going away, and neither are electric bicycles. The challenge is finding a balance between the freedom young riders enjoy and the safety of pedestrians sharing the same trail.

Residents will have an opportunity to express their opinions at the public hearing before the Town Council makes its decision.

After all, when Big Stone Gap first developed its Greenbelt, I doubt anybody imagined we'd someday be debating electric motors and bicycle classifications on a walking trail.

But that's the thing about progress. It doesn't always ask permission before showing up. And sometimes, keeping up with the times means figuring out how to keep everybody moving without running over one another.

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About the Author

John W. Peace II is a fifth-generation Southwest Virginia farmer, two-time Amazon bestselling author, and storyteller of rural American life, history, and traditions. He writes Back Porch Tales & Travels, sharing stories about rural America, told by rural America.