WESTMINSTER, Colo. (KDVR) – A Westminster cyclist says he’s worried about a growing safety concern on shared trails—higher-powered electric vehicles mixing with people walking, biking and enjoying the outdoors.
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FOX31 spent time on the Big Dry Creek Trail after hearing concerns from a frequent trail user and captured a motorized vehicle traveling along the path.
Norm Rudolph rides the trail several times a week. He says he’s noticed more electric rideables, including e-motos, showing up in areas used by pedestrians and cyclists.
“Rare is the day that I am down here and I don’t see at least one person on either an e-moto or a gas powered motorcycle,” Rudolph said.
Rudolph says his concern is not about people using traditional e-bikes responsibly. He says the issue is higher-powered vehicles that can travel faster and have more power while sharing the same space with people who may be more vulnerable.
“The primary concern is always speed. Most of them are going much faster than any pedestrian. But I think the part that people don’t realize is that beyond speed, power makes a huge difference,” Rudolph said.
Rudolph says the trails are used by people of all ages, including children, seniors, and people with mobility challenges.
He worries a collision involving a higher-powered vehicle could have serious consequences, especially for someone who may not be able to quickly move out of the way.
“I would hate to see an elderly person fall and break a hip. That is one of the biggest things that can lead to them dying,” Rudolph said.
FOX31 also reviewed video showing what appears to be two motorized vehicles being used on the trail.
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Rudolph says situations like this have become more common and believes more awareness is needed.
The trail includes signage stating: “No Motor Vehicles.”
A sign on the trail reminds visitors that motorized vehicles are barred from the trail; however, some residents say people are ignoring this rule. (KDVR)
“The big one is it does say, no motorized vehicles. And I think that’s something that people have chosen to ignore,” Rudolph said.
Colorado State Patrol says not every electric ride qualifies as an e-bike. Troopers say riders should understand how their vehicle is classified before using it on public roads, paths, or sidewalks.
Video shows over 100 e-bike and e-moto riders on Broadway
A legal e-bike in Colorado must have functioning pedals, a motor of 750 watts or less, and a top speed of no more than 28 miles per hour.
Troopers also remind riders to wear helmets and make sure they are using electric vehicles where they are legally allowed.
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