Lincoln bicyclists say e-bikes are taking over trails — at everyone’s peril

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – E-bikes and scooters have become increasingly popular around Lincoln, but some cyclists say they’re taking over the trails.

City ordinances prohibit motor vehicles on trails. That includes e-bikes, if they go over 20 mph.

But Edith Matteson, the president of Great Plains Bicycling Club, said the rules aren’t stopping anyone.

She said some people have even rigged their bikes with a gas-powered motor.

“That thing terrifies me, because if you get hit by that…” she said.

SEE ALSO: E-bike business is booming in Lincoln

On Tuesday, Matteson rode 20 miles in Lincoln.

She said she noticed at least half a dozen e-bikes and scooters on her ride.

She said it’s not safe for anyone who’s on the trail.

Not only do the e-bikes go much faster, but they’re bulkier as well.

“It’s more like being crashed into by, say, a small motorcycle or something because they’re heavier,” Matteson said. “They weigh about 60 pounds, I think, average. And a bicycle weighs maybe 15 to 20 pounds, depending on the bike.”

City-owned scooters aren’t supposed to be used on trails, either.

But Matteson said that doesn’t deter many people and that it’s hard for the city to enforce those codes.

“As far as I know, there’s nobody patrolling the trails to stop these people,” she said. “And the other big problem is that people don’t know the regulations even if we have them.”

Matteson said many people in the cycling community are upset by the situation, and they’re working with BicycLincoln to address the problem.