Sacramento County is stepping up enforcement along the American River Parkway as officials work to address growing concerns about speeding e-bikes and e-motorcycles on the popular trail system.”It’s pretty nice, gets congested on the weekends,” said Julia Landreth, who regularly rides along the parkway.Landreth said the American River Parkway remains one of her favorite places to enjoy the outdoors, but she worries about riders traveling at unsafe speeds.”There’s all the wildlife. It’s just really pretty. But those stinking e-bikes need to go,” she said.She recalled witnessing dangerous behavior from some riders.”These kids are just going along, and they cut you off, and they start popping a wheelie. And then another friend of mine almost crashed,” Landreth said.Other trail users share similar concerns.”They don’t seem to pay attention to the rules of the road, and they don’t wear helmets,” said Diane Hill.Sacramento County Regional Parks Ranger George Tzikas said speeding has become a recurring issue along the trail, which has a posted speed limit of 15 mph.”It’s always a constant issue, especially with the speed coming up behind other cyclists obeying by the speed,” Tzikas said.County officials say Class three e-bikes and e-motorcycles are not allowed on the parkway. Tzikas said some of the vehicles can reach speeds of up to 28 mph, creating potential safety risks on a trail shared by cyclists, runners, walkers and families.”They go up to 28 miles an hour, so they’re a little bit more dangerous,” he said.To enforce the rules, rangers are using all-terrain vehicles, dirt bike units and partnerships with other law enforcement agencies to patrol the more than 20-mile trail system.The American River Bike Patrol, a volunteer group that assists trail users and reports safety concerns, said speeding remains one of the biggest issues it encounters.”Going over the speed limit, inattention and actually unsafe passing are some of our top causes of our most serious accidents,” Vic Massenkoff, spokesperson for the American River Bike Patrol, told KCRA.The county recently approved updates to its American River Parkway ordinance aimed at improving safety and protecting natural resources. The ordinance is scheduled to take effect June 12, and violations could result in misdemeanor penalties.The American River Bike Patrol said it is also looking for additional volunteers to help patrol the parkway and assist trail users as the organization expands its coverage area. The volunteer group provides services including first aid, bike assistance and reporting safety concerns to the appropriate agencies.More information about volunteer opportunities is available on the American River Bike Patrol’s website.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, Calif. —

Sacramento County is stepping up enforcement along the American River Parkway as officials work to address growing concerns about speeding e-bikes and e-motorcycles on the popular trail system.

“It’s pretty nice, gets congested on the weekends,” said Julia Landreth, who regularly rides along the parkway.

Landreth said the American River Parkway remains one of her favorite places to enjoy the outdoors, but she worries about riders traveling at unsafe speeds.

“There’s all the wildlife. It’s just really pretty. But those stinking e-bikes need to go,” she said.

She recalled witnessing dangerous behavior from some riders.

“These kids are just going along, and they cut you off, and they start popping a wheelie. And then another friend of mine almost crashed,” Landreth said.

Other trail users share similar concerns.

“They don’t seem to pay attention to the rules of the road, and they don’t wear helmets,” said Diane Hill.

Sacramento County Regional Parks Ranger George Tzikas said speeding has become a recurring issue along the trail, which has a posted speed limit of 15 mph.

“It’s always a constant issue, especially with the speed coming up behind other cyclists obeying by the speed,” Tzikas said.

County officials say Class three e-bikes and e-motorcycles are not allowed on the parkway. Tzikas said some of the vehicles can reach speeds of up to 28 mph, creating potential safety risks on a trail shared by cyclists, runners, walkers and families.

“They go up to 28 miles an hour, so they’re a little bit more dangerous,” he said.

To enforce the rules, rangers are using all-terrain vehicles, dirt bike units and partnerships with other law enforcement agencies to patrol the more than 20-mile trail system.

The American River Bike Patrol, a volunteer group that assists trail users and reports safety concerns, said speeding remains one of the biggest issues it encounters.

“Going over the speed limit, inattention and actually unsafe passing are some of our top causes of our most serious accidents,” Vic Massenkoff, spokesperson for the American River Bike Patrol, told KCRA.

The county recently approved updates to its American River Parkway ordinance aimed at improving safety and protecting natural resources. The ordinance is scheduled to take effect June 12, and violations could result in misdemeanor penalties.

The American River Bike Patrol said it is also looking for additional volunteers to help patrol the parkway and assist trail users as the organization expands its coverage area. The volunteer group provides services including first aid, bike assistance and reporting safety concerns to the appropriate agencies.

More information about volunteer opportunities is available on the American River Bike Patrol’s website.

See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel