Durango, Colorado, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, and with the rise of electric bikes, exploring its scenic beauty has become even more accessible. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, understanding where and how to ride your e-bike is key to enjoying the trails responsibly. This guide will navigate you through the regulations and etiquette for electric bikes in Durango, ensuring you have a fantastic and informed riding experience.
Navigating Durango’s Trails with Your Electric Bike
Durango warmly welcomes Class I pedal-assist and Class II throttle-assist e-bikes on its extensive network of hard surface trails. These trails seamlessly connect Durango’s beautiful parks, welcoming neighborhoods, and bustling business districts. Imagine cruising along the renowned Animas River Trail, exploring the Florida Road Trail, enjoying the SMART 160 Trail, venturing onto the Three Springs Trail, or discovering the Goeglein Gulch Road Trail – all accessible with your electric bike. Furthermore, feel the freedom to use your e-bike on any City street and bike lane, anytime, making commuting and leisurely rides equally enjoyable.
For mountain biking enthusiasts, there’s good news too! Class I pedal-assist mountain bikes are now permitted on the thrilling natural surface trails at Twin Buttes. However, it’s important to note that eMTBs are not allowed on any other City of Durango natural surface trails. To ensure you have all the details at your fingertips, you can download the City of Durango Electric Bikes brochure here.
Essential Trail Etiquette for E-Bike Riders on Hard Surfaces
Sharing trails respectfully is paramount to maintaining a positive environment for everyone. When riding your e-bike on Durango’s hard surface trails, remember these key etiquette guidelines:
Ride Predictably: Consistency is key to safe trail sharing. Maintain a straight line, keeping to the right and passing on the left. Always check behind you before changing your position on the trail to avoid surprising others.
Show Respect: Courtesy goes a long way. Reduce your speed and exercise extra caution when approaching other trail users, especially around blind turns where visibility is limited. Please adhere to the speed limit of under 10 mph on City hard surface trails to ensure safety for all. When overtaking, use your bell and announce your presence in a friendly manner, letting them know you are passing.
Electric-Assist Bicycles Only: Durango’s regulations are specific. Only Class I pedal-assist and Class II throttle-assist e-bikes are permitted on City of Durango hard surface trails. Other electric mobility devices such as motorized skateboards, scooters, and onewheels are not allowed on these trails to maintain safety and trail integrity.
Yield to Others: E-Bikes are designed to yield to all other trail users. Understanding right-of-way means slowing down to a safe speed, being prepared to stop if necessary, communicating your intentions clearly, and passing only when it is safe to do so.
For a comprehensive understanding of the regulations, you can view the current City Ordinance O-2018-25.
eMTB Trail Riding Etiquette at Twin Buttes
If you’re heading to Twin Buttes with your electric mountain bike, specific etiquette applies to ensure responsible and enjoyable riding on these natural surface trails:
Stick to Open Trails: eMTB use within Durango City limits is exclusively permitted on the Twin Buttes natural surface trails. For exploring other areas where eMTBs are allowed, refer to the list of public lands provided below. Always respect trail use regulations, distinguishing between motorized and non-motorized trail designations. Never ride your eMTB on any trail where electric-assist bikes are prohibited. Similar to hard surface trails, electric-assist motorized skateboards, scooters, onewheels, and similar devices are not allowed on City of Durango natural surface trails.
Yield Appropriately: The standard yielding hierarchy applies: bikes yield to pedestrians, and both pedestrians and bikes yield to equestrians. Downhill traffic should always yield to uphill traffic. Anticipate encountering other trail users around corners. When passing in either direction, make your presence known and pass while staying on the designated trail; avoid going off-trail.
Stay on the Trail: Whether you are riding an eMTB or a traditional mountain bike, always remain on the marked trail. Do not cut switchbacks, ride through vegetation, or attempt to create new trails, as this can damage the environment and trail integrity.
Directional Travel Suggestion: On the upper sections of the Twin Buttes trail system, it is recommended that bikes travel in the direction indicated on the trail map to enhance safety and flow. Pedestrians may travel in either direction and should be aware of potential two-way bike traffic. All trail users are expected to maintain control at all times and practice general Share the Trails ethics.
Control Your Speed: When riding in proximity to other trail users, reduce your speed significantly. If you need to pass, be courteous. Ask if you can pass and wait for a response before maneuvering. Always control your speed and be prepared to stop suddenly if needed.
Plan Ahead and Be Prepared: Before you set out, ensure you are familiar with your equipment, understand your riding abilities, and know the area you plan to explore. Being well-prepared contributes to a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.
A Look Back: eMTB Trial Period at Twin Buttes
The trial period for Class I pedal-assist Electric Mountain Bikes (eMTBs) at Twin Buttes, along with an associated trail survey, concluded on November 30, 2021. This trial period was crucial for assessing the integration of eMTBs into the natural trail environment and gathering feedback from the community.
Expanding Your Ride: E-Bike Access on Public Lands Near Durango
To discover more riding locations for e-bikes on natural surface trails in the wider Durango and Southwest Colorado region, especially on lands managed by other agencies, please explore these helpful links: [Insert Links to relevant land management agency websites here, e.g., US Forest Service, BLM, Colorado Parks and Wildlife]. These resources will provide you with the latest information on e-bike regulations and trail access in surrounding areas, allowing you to broaden your e-biking adventures beyond Durango’s city limits.
