DENVER (AP) — The debate over how much access to trails, if any, electric bicycles should be given has led to near-fist fights on some paths in Colorado as communities grapple with clashing opinions over their off-road use.
The Colorado Sun reports e-bike advocates have long touted them as a safe, environmentally friendly way to extend the promise of the outdoors to those unable to navigate trails on traditional bikes, including older riders and the disabled.
But critics compare e-bikes to motorcycles and fear they could pit other trail users against cyclists in general, jeopardizing hard-fought trail access for mountain bikes.