Buffalo River park roads open to electric bicycles

The Buffalo National River has opened park roads to electric bicycles.

The decision includes administrative roads, which are normally not open to the public driving motor vehicles.

Administrative roads include fire roads, roads to hayfields and roads the park staff use to get to some park facilities. These roads are typically rough, two-track dirt roads, according to a news release.

The change will also allow regular bicycles on administrative roads. Regular bikes were already permitted on park roads that were open to the motoring public.

“Bicycles and e-bikes are still prohibited from being used on trails in the park,” according to the release. “Administratively closed roads posted as ‘Do not enter’ may not be used by bicycles or e-bikes.”

E-bikes are bicycles equipped with a small electric motor.

“The operator of an e-bike may only use the motor to assist pedal propulsion,” according to the news release. “The motor may not be used to propel an e-bike without the rider also pedaling, except in locations open to public motor vehicle traffic. Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on administrative roads.”

Class 3 electric bikes provide pedal assist at speeds up to 28 miles per hour. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes don’t provide electric power at speeds over 20 miles per hour.

“This is a very tough time for everyone as we all adjust our lives to the response to covid-19,” said Mark Foust, superintendent of the national park in north Arkansas. “With that in mind, we have looked for ways to give park visitors more access opportunities in time for the summer.”

Foust said bicycle and e-bike use on roads within the park is consistent with efforts to protect the park’s natural, scenic and aesthetic values, while considering safety and management objectives. And it won’t disturb wildlife or park resources, he said.

“This change should provide options for folks to spread out in their public lands, while still abiding by the CDC’s current guidelines, and expand public recreational access for people to enjoy far into the future,” said Foust.

This change in park rules regarding e-bikes is in response to Secretary’s Order 3376, a policy signed by Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt on Aug. 29. This new policy aims to create a clear and consistent e-bike policy on all federal lands managed by the department, according to the release.