Park rangers are cracking down on new rules for e-bikes along the American River Parkway in Sacramento County. They say they’re seeing an increase in dangerous riding and want to get the message out before the summer months.<\/p>\n
Rangers say bad behavior on the American River Parkway trail system has been a growing problem, especially when it comes to class-3 e-bikes. They say some kids have been building illegal tracks, jumps and blind turns, creating dangerous conditions for pedestrians, cyclists, and horseback riders.<\/p>\n
Many of those riders are using class-3 e-bikes, which are not allowed on the trail system.<\/p>\n
“You have an e-motorcycle coming up to a horse and it doesn’t know it’s there, the horse could kick the rider off,” Park Ranger George Tzikas said.<\/p>\n
Now, new rules approved by the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors are giving park rangers more authority to step in and enforce the law.<\/p>\n
“Typically, if it’s a class 3, they’re going to get either education or they’re going to get a citation,” Tzikas said.<\/p>\n
Just last week, law enforcement conducted an enforcement operation, issuing more than a dozen citations and towing five e-bikes.<\/p>\n
But officials say the ultimate goal isn’t just enforcement. It’s making sure parents and kids understand the rules before someone gets hurt.<\/p>\n
“Know what you’re buying your kids, and don’t let your kids ride e-motos, especially if they don’t have a license,” Tzikas said.<\/p>\n
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