Half Moon Bay’s efforts to ban e-bikes on the Coastal Trail may be thwarted by a new state law. But there is a possible solution that will be a win-win for everyone involved: redesigning the Coastal Trail to include both paved surfaces for bikes and e-bikes, and unpaved surfaces for pedestrians. This would increase safety, allow pedestrians a more peaceful trail experience, and maximize access for all.

Why E-Bikes on Trails Are a Concern

As electric bikes (e-bikes) have become increasingly popular in recent years, concerns have risen about the impact of e-bike riders on local trails. Half Moon Bay, for example, is concerned about possible harms from e-bikes on the Coastal Trail and has sought to limit e-bike riders to other trails where there are fewer potential impacts to pedestrians and the natural environment. Green Foothills agrees that e-bikes should be limited to locations where there are no impacts to other trail users, wildlife, and/or wildlife habitats. While we recognize that many people benefit from e-bike access, we also have an obligation to ensure that over the course of time, everyone will still be able to enjoy the same quiet contemplation of nature as we do today, and that wildlife will continue to thrive.

Murky State Law May Derail Half Moon Bay E-Bike Ban on Coastal Trail

The Half Moon Bay City Council, at its October 17 workshop on e-bikes on city-owned trails and paths, was distressed to hear from city staff that a new state law, AB 1909, had removed language allowing jurisdictions to regulate the use of Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes on the Coastal Trail. (Class 1 e-bikes provide pedal assist only up to 20 mph; Class 2 bikes have the same top speed, but are also equipped with a throttle so users are not required to pedal at all; and Class 3 bikes provide pedal assist only up to 28 mph.)

Although the effect of this change in the law is a bit murky due to ambiguous language, the City Council felt obligated to abandon their previous efforts to ban e-bikes on the Coastal Trail. However, a possible solution was proposed during the City Council workshop: redesigning the Coastal Trail to include both paved and unpaved surfaces.

A Solution That Accommodates Everyone

A redesigned Coastal trail could include two surfaces: (1) a permeable surface such as decomposed granite for walkers/runners and people who are mobility-challenged, and (2) a separate paved lane for faster moving e-bikes/regular bikes. The trail design should also include turnouts and overlooks where people can stop to enjoy ocean views and the restorative benefits of nature.

The benefits of this trail redesign would not only allow pedestrians a safer and more peaceful trail experience, it would make the trail fully ADA compliant and maximize public access for all, as required by the California Coastal Act. There are many people, including families with small children and people with mobility issues, who are not willing to risk being seriously injured by speeding bikes, and thus would be deterred from using the Coastal Trail if e-bikes are allowed to use the same part of the trail as pedestrians.

The Coastal Trail is primarily a nature-oriented trail, adjacent to numerous sensitive habitats along coastal bluffs, in contrast to the city’s Eastside Parallel Trail, which is a transportation trail along Highway One that has been designed and built to accommodate faster-moving e-bikes. For this reason, if e-bikes are to be allowed on the Coastal Trail, it makes sense to create an adjacent paved path specifically designed for bike/e-bike use.

We urge the city of Half Moon Bay to adopt a revised trail design that accommodates all users, so everyone can enjoy the beauty of the Coastal Trail.