E-bike debate should not exclude people with disabilities

I am a new Delaware resident, having vacationed here for several decades – I always knew this was home in my heart.

We moved here from the Washington D.C., which is heavily congested and where many things become politicized, including bicycles. We have dedicated bicycle lanes that some bicycle riders won’t use, as they demand public streets be ceded to their exclusive use. On weekends in Rock Creek Park, bicyclists shut down residential streets and have blocked emergency services from passing and local residents from getting to church.

I hope I never see this here. Delaware has a genuine kindness that I have loved for decades. The question of bikes versus e-bikes seems to be a question pointed at people instead of the legitimate question of “who is harmed?” and “who is denied use?” Bicyclists make fair points that the higher speed of the powered devices is inconsistent with trail use. I applaud their concern for safety and fair use. For the most part, powered-device users ask for the same access. While e-bikes are not cited in ADA as a mobility device, other two-wheeled devices such as Segways are. ADA uses the acronym OPDMD for other power-driven mobility devices, which says any mobility device designed to operate in areas without defined pedestrian routes, but that is not a wheelchair. Delaware law is a bit less clear. It includes in the definition of bicycle as "a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 horsepower) whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by such motor while ridden by an operator who weighs 170 pounds, is less than 20 mph, which appears to insert language for Class 1 e-bikes as a bicycle.

While conversations can be sharp, we should consider whether OPDMD qualify for trail use with reasonable regulations, or whether we are creating an exclusion zone that restricts persons with disabilities from access to public trails and parks. The bicyclist community appears to request regulated speed, which is not unreasonable. Perhaps a middle path can be achieved. Class 2 e-bikes support a maximum speed of 20 mph. It is reasonable and consistent that speed on trails and bike paths be regulated to ensure safe, fair and reasonable use.

I ask those engaged in the spirited conversation to keep in mind that we should not exclude persons with disabilities from our roads, parks and trails.