Class 1 e-bikes now allowed on Trails at Jakes Rocks
- by Guest Contributor
- October 19, 2023
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Information from the USDA Forest Service, Allegheny National Forest
The US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service announced that District Ranger Rich Hatfield signed the decision notice for the Class 1 E-bikes Trails at Jakes Rocks Project, officially allowing these e-bikes onto the Trails at Jakes Rocks in the Allegheny National Forest and Surrounds landscape of the PA Wilds.
Images supplied by Stratos Media Solutions.
What exactly is an e-bike?
Class 1 e-bikes are equipped with an electric motor that assists only when the rider pedals. Assistance ceases when the e-bike reaches the speed of 20 mph.
The guidelines consistent with the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code are that e-bikes:
- Weigh no more than 100 pounds;
- Do not exceed 20 miles-per-hour using the motor;
- Have motors that do not exceed 750 watts; and
- Have fully functional, operable pedals.
What to remember when using an e-bike
Safety and courtesy should always be a priority when biking.
Don’t forget your helmet! Helmets must be worn level and snug on top of the head with the chin strap securely fastened.
Be considerate of other trail users; ride to the right and signal when passing.
Images supplied by Stratos Media Solutions.
More about the e-bike decision for Jakes Rocks
A draft decision notice was made available for a 45-day objection review period for those individuals or organizations that submitted written comments during one of the previous designated comment periods. No objections were received during the objection review period. The final decision, signed on September 15, 2023, authorizes the use of Class 1 e-bike on the Jakes Rocks Trail System.
District Ranger Rich Hatfield said, “A recurrent theme in many of the comments that we received was that class 1 e-bike use would allow more people to start mountain biking or continue enjoying this outdoor pursuit as they age or their physical condition changes. As a public land manager, I want to encourage everyone to get outside, exercise, and enjoy our public lands. This project allows me to support that objective.”
Please refer to the Allegheny National Forest website for additional information concerning this decision or contact Justin Woldt, Supervisory Natural Resource Specialist, at 814-363-6089 or justin.woldt@usda.gov.
About the USDA Forest Service – Allegheny National Forest:
Established in 1923, the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) is Pennsylvania’s only National Forest. Situated on the Allegheny Plateau, the forest is comprised of 514,029 acres in the northwestern corner of the state. The slogan “Land of Many Uses” captures a vision of a healthy, vigorous, working forest that provides timber and wood products, watershed protection, access to underground minerals, ties to cultural history, a diversity of wildlife habitats, and outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities — not only today but in a sustainable way so future generations can enjoy these benefits.
