This Summer (or sooner) the Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD) Board of Directors will decide whether to allow electric mountain bikes to use fire roads in the watershed.

Currently they are prohibited because MMWD District Code provides that motorized bicycles may not be operated on District lands, despite the language of the California Vehicle Code that provides that Classes 1, 2 & 3 electric bicycles are not motor vehicles.

As mountain bike riders and long-term residents of Marin County we are asking for your support because we believe electric mountain bikes;

• Show no additional impact to the environment compared to regular mountain bikes.
• Allow riders with disabilities and seniors to continue to enjoy the outdoors with friends and pursue their therapeutic programs.
• Promote families with different ability levels to ride together.

We are asking for a trial period of 18 to 24 months to educate about responsible bike etiquette, the benefits of e-mountain bikes, to accurately gauge the effect of opening the watershed to e-bike usage and to create goodwill and respect in the community.

I encourage the MMWD to allow (class 1) electric mountain bikes to ride on whatever fire roads or trails regular mountain bikes are allowed. I support education programs to advise all cyclists of the rules of the road. I personally ride responsibly.