E-bikes can use Centennial Trail, but not other motormobiles
Anyone who’s braved going outside probably has noticed that paths, sidewalks and trails are a bit busy.
Crowd restrictions limited gyms, theaters and the other places and ways we once entertained or distracted ourselves. Pedaling is one of the few activities that didn’t see additional rules or restrictions, beyond wearing a mask.
The Centennial Trail averages 400,000 people who bike, ride horses, scoot, skate and walk it annually, and it has seen abundant use during the coronavirus pandemic. It connects Arlington, Marysville, Lake Stevens and Snohomish.
But people flocking to its flat, pastoral pavement could be causing problems for some users and people living nearby.
“What I think needs to be addressed is the increased motorized vehicles on the non-motorized trail this year,” Robin Thome of Snohomish wrote to The Daily Herald. “Motorized bikes, motorized skateboards, motorized scooters, Segways, (and those vehicles that if you lean forward the wheels go forward), gasoline-powered mini bikes, and even a motorcycle. I have even seen and heard a small motorcycle go back and forth behind our house on the trail. Things seem to be out of control with this virus. Although these are stressful times and people want to get outside I don’t think we will ever be able to go back to non motorized. Some people definitely go faster (than) the 15 mph. Democracy gone wild. No one stops them.”
Electric bikes are allowed on the trail (as well as the Interurban and Whitehorse regional trails) if they abide a 15 mph speed limit and other rules. They’re generally quiet. Gas-powered transportation and other electric mobility, like scooters and skateboards, aren’t supposed to be on the trail, per county rules.
https://www.heraldnet.com/news/e-bikes-can-use-centennial-trail-but-not-other-motormobiles/