Are e-bikes enhancing the cycling experience, or are they unfair to traditional cyclists?
Should e-bikes be restricted on trails like the Tunnel Hill State Trail or other routes?
Do e-bikes cause more trail wear and maintenance issues?
Are e-bikes making cycling more accessible, or do they disrupt the trail experience for others?
Share your opinions: Are e-bikes the future of cycling, or do they hurt the sport’s integrity?
Is cycling a sport or a method of travel?
Arguably most people across the world use cycling as a mode of transportation, very few few folks on a bike are in it for sport. If you need proof on that stop by any bike shop and look at the bikes they're working on. It's typically a commuter bike with everything rusted out and probably there for a new $40 derailleur or a tube change. In this aspect e-bikes allow folks to ride farther for similar energy, and that might help reduce the number of people in cars. This could dramatically improve the cycling infrastructure in any area, but specifically here in southern Illinois.
If you're looking at it as a sport, with competition and the whole works, then still yes. See previous statement. More people on bikes = better infrastructure because it impacts more people.
As far as places like tunnel hill, katy trail, C'dale - Marion bike path, etc I don't see a problem. The folks that would cause significant problems (damage) aren't riding these places. Mary Sue and Bobby Lou aren't going to be out ripping sick skiddies and destroying tunnel hill.
I think the biggest problem is going to be informing all cyclist that you shouldn't be dangerously passing slower traffic (hikers, slower cyclists, runners).
In short: Ride a bike, ride an e-bike, help make cycling more common so that way everyone in a car knows someone who cycles and they make think twice before passing someone dangerously.
