How To: E-Bike Etiquette Tips in Aspen
Whether you are a new or experienced e-biker, watch our video below to learn some safety and etiquette tips when cruising around Aspen.
A few more tips:
Road Biking and E-Cycling Safety Tips:
- Slow down when approaching others and always stay in control. What feels slow to you, may feel fast to a walker or jogger.
- Use audible signals when you pass others. Ring your bell and loudly say "On Your Left"
- Make eye contact with approaching users and say hello to acknowledge that you've heard them, ensure a safe pass, and be friendly
- Walk your bikes and e-bikes on the brick pedestrian malls, sidewalks, and through crosswalks. Before crossing the street, make eye contact with drivers and wait until they come to a full stop.
- Ride close to the right side and stay single file
- Make yourself visible: always bring a light when you're riding at night. A white light up front and reflector behind is best. Wear bright or reflective clothing when possible.
- Let everyone know you are turning or stopping by signaling with your left or right arm which way you are turning. When you're stopping, signal with your left arm downward. Avoid stopping suddenly or making unexpected lane changes or turns.
- Drivers, please give bicyclists plenty of space when passing. Up to three feet is the law.
- Always wear a helmet
- Be aware of your surroundings - only use one earbud or none at all and look ahead and behind regularly, especially at intersections, junctions, and blind curves.
- Stop at stop-signs and obey traffic lights. Ride with the flow of traffic.
- E-bikes are prohibited on single-track trails
- E-bikers incur a $5 amenity charge when they bike to the Maroon Bells.
- Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on the Rio Grande Trail, where there is a 20-mile-per-hour speed limit. Watch for and obey posted speed limits.
- E-bike rules and access varies by trail - when you rent an e-bike, ask about your bike's class and the rules for where you're headed.
- If you encounter horses, stop, stay visible, and ask if it's okay to pass
- Leave the trails as you found them - pick up all trash, pet waste, and food scraps
- Stay on designated trails to avoid creating trail erosion and damaging habitats
- For more Colorado bike laws click here.
*E-motos are not e-bikes, and they're not permitted on Pitkin County trails. Check the State of Colorado's e-bike classification page and your local jurisdiction before you ride, since e-moto rules vary and can carry real penalties.
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Learn more about how to get around in Aspen here.
