A bill allowing certain electric bicycles on the Mickelson Trail in the Black Hills is advancing in Pierre.
Proponents of the bill say it was brought to specify that only Class I E-Bikes can be used on the trail and ensures Class II and III are not.
They say it’s a safety concern for others on the trail. Class II bikes have a throttle, allowing riders to control motor power without pedaling. Class III bikes reach speeds near 30 miles per hour – compared to the 20 mile per hour max on Class I and II bikes.
Republican Sen. Taffy Howard is the bill’s prime sponsor. She said the bill falls in line with what the majority of multi-use trails across the United States already enforce.
“They post signs on the trailhead; they post signs online. It is up to the rider to ensure you are riding what you should be riding on the trail. Same as before E-Bikes were allowed. If they showed up with an E-Bike the trailhead says, before two years ago they put on their website that pedal-assists were allowed, it’s up to you to make sure you’re riding what’s correctly," Howard said. "But we already have in state statute that you are required to have a sticker, a fixed two-year E-bike that says what you are riding. So, you know what you’re riding. You know what is allowed on that trail."
Opponents on the other hand think the specific distinction is confusing for inexperienced riders who could end up breaking the law unintentionally.
Erik Nelson represents AARP South Dakota. He said he supports adding legislation allowing Class I E-bikes but believes drawing the line there puts riders at a disadvantage.
“You know maybe when you’re 55, 65, 75, 85, you are able to use a traditional bike your whole life and that’s great, but there are times, particularly as we age, where it’s important to have access for those that aren’t able to use a traditional bike," Nelson said. "And an E-Bike, whether it’s a Class I, and even a Class II with throttle assist, can allow our older South Dakotans to continue to use the beautiful Mickelson Trail in the Black Hills. If you have a biker that is not familiar with the proper biking protocols, it doesn’t matter what type of bike you’re riding. There’s still going to be challenges."
He said the differences between Class I and II are minimal, so he doesn’t see a safety concern.
SB 79 passed the House Ag and Natural Resource Committee 12-1 and heads to the House floor.
