We’re making biking better in Idaho through funding local bike projects, supporting pro-bike policies and legislation at the local and state levels and highlighting great hometown routes on Ride Spot. In spring 2018, our Community Grant Program provided funding to Teton Valley Trails and Pathways in Driggs, leveraging significant volunteer time to consistently groom more than 21 miles of trails for winter fat biking. In an area supported by recreation, this grant will help make biking a year-round sport. 

Each year, PeopleForBikes’ City Ratings program evaluates thousands of communities worldwide on the quality of their low-stress bike networks through our Bicycle Network Analysis (BNA). Over time, we’ve seen many cities across the U.S. improve their City Ratings scores. While all score improvements are worthy of recognition, several cities achieved incredible increases in just a few years, showcasing the impact of investments in bike networks and supportive policies that create great places to ride.

Which cities have seen the highest score increases over time? City Ratings data reveals that 39 U.S. cities boosted their scores by at least 20 points since 2020 through the implementation of specific projects that align with our SPRINT principles: safe speeds, protected bike lanes, reallocated space, intersection treatments, network connections, and trusted data. 

Note: Although City Ratings began in 2018, PeopleForBikes refined the program in 2020 to reflect actual speed limits for cities, resulting in some changes to scores between 2018 and 2020.


Learn how you can support bike projects in your area that can increase your community’s City Rating Score. Through the Great Bike Infrastructure Project, we’re tracking progress on thousands of projects nationwide.

Policy changes also play a key role in improving scores. Our Legislative Strategies Guide for Safe and Connected Bike Infrastructure outlines policies that create great bike networks, including increased state and local funding for bike infrastructure, Complete Streets mandates, and lower speeds. These policies are critical, as most U.S. cities have a lot of work to do to truly become great places for biking. 

Read on to learn which cities achieved the most dramatic score increases between 2020 and 2024.

Minneapolis' score surged from 17 to 71, leading large U.S. cities for the second year in a row. Key factors include speed limit reductions, OpenStreetMap data improvements, and the construction of protected bike lanes like those on Bryant Avenue South, which was featured as one of our Best New Bike Lanes of 2023. 

Not to be outdone by its neighbor, Minneapolis, Saint Paul jumped from a score of just 9 in 2020 to 61 in 2024 thanks to lowered speed limits and projects like the Jackson Street Reconstruction Project, which added safe bicycle facilities as part of the city’s Capital City Bikeway System. With the city planning to add more than 100 new miles of protected bike lanes, Saint Paul’s score is sure to increase in the coming years. 


Learn more about Jackson’s improvements, including those led by the local advocacy group Friends of Pathways, here. 

In 2023, Bloomington reduced speed limits for all neighborhood streets to 25 miles per hour, contributing to a 17-point increase in its City Ratings score. In recent years, Bloomington also expanded its network of neighborhood greenways and constructed numerous road-adjacent shared-use paths and protected bike lanes like the 7-Line, which made our list of the Best New Bike Lanes in 2022. 

Aurora was ahead of most American cities back in 2016, when the city installed a protected bike lane on River Street to close a critical gap in the regional Fox River Trail system. Since then, Aurora increased its score to 50, partially thanks to updated speed limit data in OpenStreetMap.

While it's perhaps not surprising for Minneapolis, the highest-rated large city for biking in the U.S., to have suburbs with good bike networks, it’s always encouraging to see suburban communities climbing the ranks of bike-friendly places. Saint Louis Park, a community of 50,000 people to the west of Minneapolis, increased its score from 15 to 55 over the past four years by lowering its default speed limit to 20 miles per hour and filling in bike network gaps through their Connect the Park program.

In 2022, Corvallis’ city staff updated its OpenStreetMap data to accurately reflect existing bicycle infrastructure, including its Active Travel Corridors, which reduce cut-through traffic, creating a citywide network of safe places to bike. 


Key West enhanced its bike network with several projects, including improvements to the Crosstown Greenway and Staples Avenue bicycle and pedestrian bridge. In 2020, speed limits in the city’s Old Town neighborhood were also lowered to 20 miles per hour, creating a safer environment for all road users.

Although Coeur D’Alene hasn’t yet a score of 50 yet, the city already has 50 miles of multi-use paths, including the popular Centennial, Prairie, and Atlas, trails, as well as more than 64 miles of bike lanes. Thanks to its Complete Streets policy, the city intends to complete another 25 miles of bike paths and 32 miles of bike lanes to further improve its network in the coming years.


After reducing the citywide speed limit to 25 miles per hour in 2016, Somerville further reduced speed limits on most residential streets to 20 miles per hour in 2020 and 2021. The city also made forward progress on its envisioned bike network through projects like the Somerville Community Path Extension and Somerville Avenue.


Following Cambridge’s 2020 Cycling Safety Ordinance, the city greatly expanded its bike network. As one of our 2024 Cities on the Rise, you can read more about Cambridge’s work to improve bicycling here.

2025 Cities on the Rise Candidates — Honorable Mentions


While that rounds out the most dramatic score increases over the past four years, numerous communities also increased their BNA scores by at least 20 points during the same period, including:


From Minneapolis' impressive 54-point surge to improvements in smaller towns, these advancements highlight the critical role that strategic investments in bike infrastructure and supportive policies like lower speed limits and Complete Streets mandates play in creating low-stress bike networks and making cities great places to ride a bike. 


Join us in supporting these efforts and stay informed about PeopleForBikes' initiatives to support better biking by signing up for PeopleForBikes’ newsletter and Action Alert program.

This November, a substantial $1.86 billion is on the table for bicycle projects aimed at enhancing paved and off-road infrastructure across 17 different ballot measures throughout the United States. Through our VoteForBikes campaign, we track and advocate for local, pro-bike ballot measures across the country, alerting our supporters when something on their ballot could improve bicycling in their community. 

Below are the top five ballot measures we’re currently tracking that are poised to significantly move the needle for bike infrastructure.

1. The Centennial Parks Conservation Fund Amendment
Texas

Texas is on the verge of becoming a cycling haven. Should voters give the green light to the Centennial Parks Conservation Fund Amendment, they will endorse an astounding $1 billion investment in state parks, with a substantial chunk of those funds earmarked for bike trails. With more than 700 miles of paved and natural surface bike trails within Texas’ state parks, this initiative is a game-changer for recreational riders and presents a golden opportunity to expand and elevate bike infrastructure across the Lone Star State.

2. Streets and Transportation Bond and Parks and Recreation Bond
Albuquerque, New Mexico

Two significant ballot measures are up for a vote in Albuquerque, New Mexico: The Streets and Transportation Bond and the Parks and Recreation Bond. If these ballot measures gain approval, cyclists can anticipate safer streets, enhanced intersections, reduced neighborhood speeds, and the creation of dedicated bike lanes and trails (more than $50 million is allocated to these crucial infrastructure improvements). Moreover, the Parks and Recreation Bond will contribute more than $12 million towards park and trail maintenance and acquisition. To learn more about each ballot measure, click here.

3. The Greenways 5 Levy
Bellingham, Washington

Bellingham’s Greenways 5 Levy, should it receive approval, will inject new life into the region’s bike infrastructure. The levy's proceeds will support property acquisition, development, climate resilience, and maintenance for greenways, parks, and trails. This initiative aligns perfectly with Bellingham's commitment to green transportation and outdoor recreation. If approved, this initiative will benefit riders by creating well-maintained trails and green spaces, ensuring a scenic and sustainable biking experience for all.

4.Open Space and Park Development Bond
Kootenai County, Idaho

The Open Space and Park Development Bond will not only fund the acquisition of public open space but also the development of new recreational trail systems in Kootenai County, Idaho. Riders can look forward to more trails, open spaces, dog parks, and connections between existing systems. This initiative caters to the needs of the bicycling community while preserving Idaho's natural beauty, which will help make it an even more appealing destination for riders of all kinds.

5. County Issue 1A (Open Space Sales and Use Tax Extension and Revenue Change)
Boulder County, Colorado

In Colorado, Boulder County is taking a significant step towards extending its support for bike infrastructure. County Issue 1A aims to renew a sales and use tax dedicated to acquiring, improving, managing, and maintaining open space lands — a crucial component of bike trails and paths. Bike riding in Colorado, with its breathtaking vistas and diverse terrain, is set to receive a substantial boost from this measure. Cyclists can anticipate better-maintained trails and a more bike-friendly environment should the measure be approved.

By supporting these measures and others like them, voters nationwide can pave the way for safer, more scenic, and well-connected bike infrastructure. But this funding won’t be possible without making a plan to vote.

Using our VoteForBikes tracker to identify upcoming ballot opportunities in your state, city, or county. See a measure missing? Let us know by sending an email to info@peopleforbikes.org.

Making your plan to vote! Early in-person voting and vote by mail begins as early as six weeks before election day. 

Helping to spread the word by telling your family, friends, and local groups about these important ballot measures.

Join us in ensuring that our state and local governments are helping make our streets and trails safer and more accessible for everyone. We hope to see you at the polls!

There’s $1.86 Billion on the Table for Bikes

Every day, individuals are discovering the many benefits of electric mountain bikes (eMTBs) — they allow more individuals to get out and ride, regardless of their age or physical or cognitive abilities. Electric mountain bikes provide a needed boost to make climbing hills easier and going longer distances require less effort.

As eMTB technology evolves, more and more riders are asking themselves, “Where can I ride my eMTB?” Unfortunately, the answer is not always clear. Many state resource agencies lack modern-day regulations that govern electric bicycle use on natural surface and non-motorized trails. These outdated rules confuse many riders who are simply looking to ride their low-speed eMTB in the same places as traditional mountain bikes.

PeopleForBikes believes that electric bicycles are very similar to bicycles, and their rules and use should be similarly regulated. Modern day electric bicycle regulations have already been adopted in 28 states’ traffic codes thanks to legislators and advocates who saw the need to seamlessly modernize their policies to reflect the needs of today’s riders.

When it comes to off-road trail access for electric bicycles, governed by rules and regulations within state natural resource agencies, PeopleForBikes supports the adoption of electric bicycle rules that define three classes of electric bicycles and, at a minimum, allow Class 1 electric bicycles on non-motorized, natural surface trails that permit bicycle use. State resource agencies with regulations such as this can be found  below.

Defines three classes of electric bicycles and allows Class 1 electric bicycles wherever bicycles are allowed. 


Defines three classes of electric bicycles and allows Class 1 and 2 electric bicycles wherever bicycles are allowed. 

Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Defines three classes of electric bicycles and allows Class 1 electric bicycles wherever bicycles are allowed. 

Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation

Defines three classes of electric bicycles and allows Class 1, 2 and 3 electric bicycles wherever bicycles are allowed. 

Defines three classes of electric bicycles and allows Class 1 electric bicycles wherever bicycles are allowed.

Defines three classes of electric bicycles and allows Class 1 and 3 electric bicycles wherever bicycles are allowed. 


Electric bicycles play an essential role in the future of modern outdoor experiences and regulations need to be in place that reflect the growing demand.

PeopleForBikes stands as a technical resource for land managers as they develop electric bicycle policies that suit the needs of their local communities. Once finalized, electric bicycle policies should be deployed with educational materials on trail etiquette. Many of the common issues experienced by all trail users can be alleviated through reminders on how to courteously share the trail. Trail etiquette materials are just one of the many resources PeopleForBikes provides to land managers to help make the transition to more modern electric bicycle policies.

 Materials on trail etiquette are just one of the many resources PeopleForBikes provides to land managers to help make the transition to modernize their agency’s code a simple process. Want to improve eMTB access in your area? Check out our electric bicycle webpage or reach out to PeopleForBikes’ Regulatory and Policy Analyst, Ashley Seaward at ashley@peopleforbikes.org.

Electric Mountain Bike Access in State Parks is Improving

Pedaling along city paths or winding country roads, bicycle tourists are rewarded with unique vantage points and stunning views — it’s a travel experience unlike any other. And, as networks of bike trails continue to expand and connect, more journeys destinations than ever are safely accessible by bike. But taking advantage of these extensive networks by traditional pedal bike isn’t feasible for all riders; fortunately, electric bikes make long-distance tours accessible to a broader audience.

Before you take off on a cross-country e-bike tour, there are a few things you should know about long-distance riding on e-bikes:

Plan for the life of your battery. Know the range of your bike’s battery and plan accordingly, whether that means mapping out charging stops or carting along a spare.

Anticipate service needs. Research bike shops along your route to find out where you can get your bike serviced for any necessary maintenance or repairs — not all shops will be able to accommodate e-bikes.

Keep an open mind. Even with the pedal assist, consecutive days of riding can be tiresome. Map out your route to include options for early stopping points or rest days.

For those wanting to tackle a ride greater than 100 miles on an e-bike, the country’s rails-to-trails system is the perfect place to plot a bike tour. With nearly 25,000 miles of trail spanning a myriad of tourist-friendly trail towns, the network holds abundant opportunities for exploration.

To plan your own e-bike tour, the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy’s TrailLink is an outstanding resource. It allows riders to search for trails by city, state, zip code or keyword. Detailed descriptions of the trail — from geography to history to availability of restrooms and parking — accompany links to websites and maps.* For those who would rather let someone else handle the logistics, many tour companies offer e-bike options on their catered bike tours.

To help kickstart your next pedal-assisted adventure, we’ve listed some of our favorite long-distance rides that are open to e-bikes. Regulations and rules can change frequently, so it’s always best to check the managing agency’s website before you travel.

The Katy Trail
A Missouri state park, the Katy Trail spans nearly the full width of Missouri — nearly 240 miles. The trail passes through a link of small towns boasting cozy accommodations, tasty restaurants and easy access to transportation. Oenophiles in particular will enjoy the stretch of trail near Hermann, with more than 10 tucked in the rolling hillside.

The Mickelson Trail
In the heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota, the Mickelson Trail leads riders down 109 miles of crushed limestone rail trail containing more than 100 converted railroad bridges and four rock tunnels. It’s easy to combine the Mickelson with paved routes in nearby Badlands National Park.

The Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail
The GAP Trail is the longest rail trail east of the Mississippi River. On the 150-mile trail, travelers ride from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Cumberland, Maryland. For those looking for a longer tour, it’s possible to plan a multi-day, 333-mile bike tour to Washington, D.C., by connecting to the 184.5-mile C&O Canal Towpath. This route visits three states (Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia) and the District of Columbia, and passes through four national parks: the C&O Canal, Antietam Battlefield, Harpers Ferry and Rock Creek Park.

Trail of the Coeur d’Alene/Route of the Hiawatha
These Idaho rail trails can be combined to form a 90-mile ride through the West’s scenic natural beauty while also traveling through time. A highlight is the Taft Tunnel, which traverses between Idaho and Montana under the crest of the rugged Bitterroot Mountains. The tunnel was once used by the former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad, also known as the “Milwaukee Road.”.

Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail
Like the other rail trails of the West, the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail follows the corridor of the Milwaukee Road. The trail showcases the impressive construction of the railbed with its tunnels and trestles while also taking riders through a stunning array of ecosystems — including coniferous forests, arid farmland and deeply cut river canyons.

The Paul Bunyan State Trail
This 123-mile paved trail is rich in Minnesota history: Thirteen recorded prehistoric sites have been identified along the trail. Now, the landscape bears marks of more recent mining and logging activity, and the towns that dot the trail tell tales of how the area was developed. For a longer trip, the unpaved Blue Ox Trail extends northward from Lake Bemidji State Park for another 90 miles, forming one of the longest rail-to-trail conversions in the country.

Taking the Scenic Route: Long-Distance E-Bike Adventures

Great bike rides can start anywhere, but sometimes it’s worth the extra travel to race to a backdrop of breathtaking coastal landscapes, glorious mountain peaks or rugged desert terrain. We’ve highlighted 13 bike events that we think are worth the trip in 2019 — including some old favorites.

Bentonville, Arkansas (Oct. 11–13, 2019)

Connect with a selection of the finest Northwest Arkansas singletrack, double track and paved segments at the Oz Trails Off-Road event. With 25-,35- and 50-mile routes plus daily festivities, riders of all levels can enjoy the beauty of the Ozark mountains and mingle with other mountain bike enthusiasts along the way. If you’re still not convinced, finishers receive a custom-designed mason jar filled with with locally produced pimento cheese.

If you’re up for tackling Colorado’s extreme, high-altitude terrain we highly suggest signing up for this one-of-a-kind MTB race. Starting at 10,152 feet and climbing to 12,424 feet, Leadville’s picturesque Rocky Mountain views will almost make you forget about the altitude effects. This out-and-back route takes place mostly on forest trails with the occasional stretch of mountain road.

Created in the spirit of the Belgian one-day cycling classics, the 2019 edition of this challenging race takes riders 136 miles up mountains, across dirt sections and over water crossings. The 12,000 feet of climbing is not for the faint of heart, but your strenuous effort is sure to earn you some delicious waffles and post-race libations. If this is your first gravel grinder, we recommend checking out the shorter 76-mile Belgian Wafer Ride.

Ketchum, Idaho (Aug. 29 – Sept. 1, 2019)

Started in 2013 by renowned bike racer Rebecca Rusch, RPI is a long-haul gravel ride and outdoor festival held over Labor Day weekend. Named “one of the top five gravel events in the world” by Global Cycling Network, each day gives riders a chance to take on a grueling yet spectacular course through the central part of Idaho. To top it all off, RPI benefits four bike-focused nonprofits, including PeopleForBikes.

What better way to enjoy Vermont’s scenic autumn landscape than by mountain bike? Across 50 hilly miles, riders travel through spectacular fall foliage and gain a total of 8,900 vertical feet. Female participants may opt to race as a two-person bike relay, an alternative designed to encourage higher participation by women.

Ever dreamed of riding your bike alongside the stunning coastline of California or through the red rock cathedrals of Death Valley National Park? Climate Ride organizes charitable events across the world to raise awareness and support sustainability, active transportation and environmental causes. Choose from over 100 beneficiary organizations—including PeopleForBikes—whether you sign up for an organized event or take on an independent challenge any time throughout the year.

Launched in 2006 with just 34 registrants, the Dirty Kanza now welcomes over 2,000 gravel-grinding enthusiasts, thanks to the growing popularity of the sport. With routes ranging from 25 to 350 miles, this event offers entry-level riders a small taste of the gravel riding experience, while seasoned professionals can tackle a demanding endurance feat through the Flint Hills.

RAGBRAI, more formally known as the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, is the oldest, largest and longest recreational bicycle touring event in the world. This rolling celebration of the Hawkeye State brings participants from all over the US, as well as international racers. The course changes every year, but averages 468 miles. Expect to begin somewhere along Iowa’s western border on the Missouri River and pedal through the finish on the state’s eastern border on the Mississippi River.

This uniquely formatted race gives riders of all types the opportunity explore the stunning back country of Utah’s Tushar Mountains and Fishlake National Forest—all while accumulating over 10,000 feet of elevation gain. Featuring a 60/40 split of gravel-to-tarmac sectors, a cyclocross, gravel or mountain bike will get the job done. Though registration has closed for 2019, look out for transfer opportunities in April.

Named one of the best trips by Outside Magazine, the Farm to Fork Fondo series aims to highlight and support the relationship between bike riders, farmers and beautiful landscapes. Participants work up an appetite riding challenging courses through scenic farmland with timed segments, magnificent views and aid stations featuring locally-sourced treats. The 2019 series will visit New York, North Carolina, Vermont, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Massachusetts and Kentucky.

Logan, Utah to Jackson Hole, Wyoming (Sept. 7, 2019)

Started in 1983 by two Utah cyclists, LoToJa was inspired by the difficulty of a one-day European classic bike race like Paris-Roubaix. The 200+ mile course takes riders over three mountain passes through Utah, Idaho and Wyoming and finishes as the base of the rugged Teton mountain range.

This 40-mile, car-free tour begins in Lower Manhattan, travels through the heart of Central Park, over the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and finishes in Staten Island. Look forward to musicians, performers and lots of cheering crowds scattered along the route, as well as a special finish line festival to celebrate your effort. Proceeds from the event help fund Bike New York’s free bicycle education programs.

Kalkaska to Traverse City, Michigan (Nov. 2, 2019)

If winter weather doesn’t keep you off your bike, grab your gloves and head to the Great Lakes State this November. This point-to-point mountain bike race consists primarily of dirt roads, two-tracks, abandoned railroad beds and the world-famous Vasa Nordic ski trail. Since 1990, Riders of all ages and experience levels have traveled to this race to enjoy the stunning terrain of the Pere Marquette State Forest.

Are we missing one of your favorite bike events? Be sure to share your must-do rides with us in the comments below or on social media.

A Dozen (Plus One) Bucket List Rides for 2019

We know that sometimes the best bike ride of your life can take place right outside your front door, on your local neighborhood streets and trails. Then there are those other times—when the wanderlust kicks in and the need to travel with your bike just overwhelms you. For those moments, here are a dozen bike riding events that we think are worth the trip.

Started by endurance champion Rebecca Rusch, RPI is not for the faint of heart. To conquer this event you’ll have to ride 100 miles, “on grueling gravel roads, through canyons, over summits, and across high mountain basins.” Still, if you’ve ever wanted to explore riding in the Gem State, this is the ride for you. Plus, a portion of the proceeds are donated to PeopleForBikes, to help us toward our goal of making every bike ride better across the U.S.

Founded in 2011, Slow Roll Detroit is a weekly bike ride (every Monday from May through October) dedicated to promoting cycling in the City of Detroit. Thousands of riders show up for a leisurely ride that builds community at a pace that welcomes riders of all types. You may not think of Detroit as a top bike riding destination—this event will surely change your mind.

Climate Ride is an organization that produces charitable multi-day rides, allowing participants to explore different regions of the world while raising money for non-profit beneficiaries. Some of the event locations include Bhutan, Glacier National Park and Nova Scotia, but you can do an independent challenge any time, anywhere. Participants can choose from more than 100 beneficiary organizations, including PeopleForBikes. That means you can enjoy a great ride and also contribute to making bike riding better across the U.S.

If you think there’s nothing exciting about riding in Iowa in the middle of summer, you’d be wrong. RAGBRAI is the largest bike touring event in the world and there’s a reason why people come from all over to participate. Yes, the riding is fun, but the atmosphere can’t be beat. Rest stops along the multi-day route feature local food vendors and you’re guaranteed to get a laugh from the hilariously-named teams.

On the higher end of bike trips are the all-inclusive tours put on by Trek Travel. With destinations all over the world, Trek Travel makes it easy by providing guides, bikes, gear, accommodations and support. From Italy to the Rocky Mountains, from road riding to mountain biking, the only hard part is choosing which trip to take.

Don’t try getting around New York City on the first Sunday in May because you’ll probably get rerouted. The Five Boro Bike Tour is the nation’s biggest cycling event, with about 32,000 cyclists participating. Proceeds fund Bike New York’s free bike education programs, which means you’re doing a good deed while riding on roads and over bridged across the five boroughs of NYC.

The second oldest 100-mile mountain bike race in the United States, the Leadville Trail 100 MTB was first run in 1994 and takes place in Leadville, Colorado on the second Saturday in August. With a total elevation gain of 11,000 feet, this mountain bike race is definitely not an entry-level event. You’ll be totally wiped if you finish, but you’ll get a special belt buckle for your effort.

What better way to navigate the hills of San Francisco than on a kid’s big wheel bike? The race takes place at 20th and Vermont Streets in San Francisco, California on Easter Sunday and features funny bikes and costumed riders. The event is held rain or shine and only plastic wheels are allowed.

Riders of all ages and levels can explore some of the best rail trails in the U.S. on the annual Rails-to-Trails Sojourn. The 2018 event will take place in Pennsylvania on the beautiful D&L Trail. The event is a fully supported bicycle tour that includes hot showers, great food, fun evening activities, and awesome optional trips.

With 70 cities participating, there’s bound to be a World Naked Bike Ride near you, or in a place you’ve always wanted to visit. Participants ride bikes naked to “celebrate cycling and the human body,” during the event which has been taking place for more than a dozen years. Participants see the event as a creative way to draw attention to the presence of bike riders and our worldwide dependence on non-renewable energy.

Bike MS is the largest fundraising bike series in the world. There are rides throughout the nation and route distances vary from 15 to 150 miles, including one day and multi-day events. You can ride as an individual or as a part of a team and each ride has a fundraising minimum and features cycling routes, support, volunteers and experiences. To date, Bike MS cyclists, volunteers, and donors have raised more than $1 billion for MS research.

A combo bike ride and music festival, the Pedaler’s Jamboree will celebrate its 10th year in 2018. Riders can enjoy the Katy Trail in Missouri by bike and then celebrate their accomplishment by jamming to a solid lineup of bands. The 2018 performers will be announced soon, but you can click here to see previous bands who have rocked the stage.

2019 started with 11 states using the model three-class e-bike definitions. As of June 19, 22 states now define e-bikes within the three classes, effectively doubling the total in just six months. These eleven new states are: Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas and Wyoming.

A few major themes can be attributed to this success. First, states follow each others’ leads and seek regional consistency in how they treat e-bikes, so there’s momentum. Second, the e-bike market is booming and states recognize that riders need consistent and common-sense rules for where they can be ridden.

Last but not least, the unwavering support from the industry led directly to these wins. Without the above and beyond contributions raised by the BPSA E-Bike Committee to build on-the-ground teams in each of these states, making this much progress in one year would not have been possible. The companies that supported the e-bike initiative in 2019 are: Accell North America, Allegion/Kryptonite, Bosch, Brose, Bulls, Cycling Sports Group, DT Swiss, Envelo, Fantic, Felt, Foldaway Solutions, Fox, Genze, Giant, GM, Harley Davidson, Hi-Power Cycles, Ohm Cycles, Oregon E-Bikes, Pacific Cycle, Pedego, REI, Riese and Muller, Rocky Mountain, Shimano, Specialized, Sport Technik/M1, SRAM, Suzhou Bafang, Taioku, Tempo Bicycles, Tern, TranzX, Trek, Yamaha and Yuba.

In 2015, the BPSA and PeopleForBikes began this national campaign to pass clear e-bike legislation in all 50 states in order to create stability in the marketplace. E-bike manufacturers put aside competitive differences to develop the three class system around critical issues like motor assist, pedal assist, wattage and operational rules.

Good e-bike laws are completely changing business models and customer bases. In states where the three class system of e-bikes has passed, suppliers report that sales of e-bikes more than double. On the local level, bike retailers in states with this law report that having a statewide three class e-bike system helps their team clearly explain where e-bikes are and aren’t allowed, and e-bike sales help offset the loss of revenue due to other declining categories.

Most importantly good e-bike laws are leading to better e-bike access. For example, after Wyoming legislators passed the state’s three class e-bike law in February, Wyoming State Parks decided to allow Class 1 eMTBs anywhere a traditional mountain bike is allowed, and even opted to conduct a Class 2 pilot project. A number of local trail access wins from Virginia to Arizona can be attributed to land managers recognizing the increase of eMTB use and creating consistency with the three classes of e-bikes and state laws.

22 States Now Follow the Three Class E-bike System, Doubling Total in Six Months

UPDATE 2/26: On Tuesday, Feb. 26, Governor Gordon signed the e-bike bill into law. 

On Wednesday, Feb. 20, Wyoming lawmakers passed Senate File 81, a bill that introduces clear laws regarding electric bicycles (e-bikes) and where they can be ridden. This three-class system of e-bikes has been successfully advanced by the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association and PeopleForBikes in 11 other states.

Prior to Wednesday’s decision, riding an e-bike in Wyoming without a driver’s license was illegal. As bizarre as that may sound, the rapidly growing interest in e-bikes has outpaced efforts to modify state laws governing their use, leaving e-bikes to be regulated under the same rules as mopeds.

Confining e-bikes to moped laws legally limits their use to the road, since moped use on bike paths is prohibited. In Wyoming, moped users are also required to carry a vehicle operator’s license. These rules make sense for mopeds, but not for e-bikes.

In 2015, the BPSA and PeopleForBikes began a national campaign to introduce e-bike legislation in all 50 states. This legislation organizes e-bikes into three distinct categories — based on design, top motor-assisted speed and how they are regulated at the federal level — and allows most e-bike riders to use the same infrastructure as other bicycle riders.

BPSA and PeopleForBikes carried their campaign to Wyoming thanks to leadership from Cheyenne retailer Patrick Collins. Collins has owned the Bicycle Station since 1982, and his resume also includes a stint as president of the Cheyenne City Council, as well as involvement in many other civic engagements.

Collins spent last fall laying the foundation to ensure a positive reception for the new e-bike legislation, securing a bill sponsor in state Senator Tara Nethercott of Laramie County, and dedicating numerous hours each week to meet with legislators and build a coalition of riders and retailers in support of these changes.

“I’m very pleased that Senate File 81 passed the Wyoming legislature,” Collins said. “One gratifying byproduct of this effort was Wyoming bicycle dealers working together to educate our local legislators about the importance of this bill to our small businesses. The Wyoming Legislature and the transportation committees in both chambers understood our needs and voted to support our small businesses.”

Wyoming Senate File 81 was introduced in early January, and passed the state Senate after just a few weeks. It’s now on the governor’s desk for a signature and, if signed, would become effective July 1.

The success of Wyoming’s bike bill bodes well for similar legislation that has already passed the House of Representatives in Idaho. While constituents in both states are known to generally resist new government regulations, e-bike bills have been warmly received for their business benefits and bipartisan appeal.

With support from the Bicycle Product Suppliers Association and other bike advocates, e-bike bills are also successfully progressing in Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin. Read more about your state’s laws here.

People for Bikes

Idaho

Become a Member

Discover an Electric Bike Ride Near You

Learn What's Happening in the World of Biking

Use the Ride Spot App to access great rides

Side A Track 4: LIOTR Mixtape [Boise > Burns]

Distance: 110 miles

Leave It On The Road

Tetonia to Ashton Rail Trail

Distance: 63 miles

Wheel Wranglers

PeopleForBikes Work in Idaho

News

2024’s Most Improved Cities for Biking

There’s $1.86 Billion on the Table for Bikes

Electric Mountain Bike Access in State Parks is Improving

Taking the Scenic Route: Long-Distance E-Bike Adventures

A Dozen (Plus One) Bucket List Rides for 2019

A Dozen Bucket List Bike Rides for 2018

22 States Now Follow the Three Class E-bike System, Doubling Total in Six Months

Wyoming Lawmakers Pass E-bike Bill

People for Bikes