Pursuant to 36 CFR 1.5(a)(2) George Washington Memorial Parkway, allows E-bikes where traditional bicycles are allowed. E-bikes are prohibited where traditional bicycles are prohibited. Except where use of motor vehicles by the public is allowed, using the electric motor to move an e-bike without pedaling is prohibited.
Bicycling including E-bikes is prohibited in the following areas.
Great Falls Park:
- Patowmack Canal Trail
- River Trail
- Swamp Trail
- Swamp-Ridge Connector Trail
- Matildaville Trail
- Mine Run Trail
- Riverbend Road Trail
- Between Old Dominion Drive and River Bend Road
Jones Point Park Trails (excluding Mount Vernon Trail)
Theodore Roosevelt Island
Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve Haul Road
Potomac Heritage Trail
The George Washington Memorial Parkway roadway from Mount Vernon Circle to Interstate 495 near the American Legion Bridge.
The Spout Run Parkway roadway
The Clara Barton Parkway roadway
The following regulations apply to bicyclists on designated trails in George Washington Memorial Parkway:
The speed limit for bikes is 15 MPH.
Cyclists must stay on the right side of the trail.
Move left only to pass and give ample audible warning when passing other trail users.
Bicyclists must adhere to protective equipment requirements and regulations set by the applicable state or county.
Trail users must keep to the right and travel in single file.
A person operating an e-bike is subject to the following sections of 36 CFR part 4 that apply to the use of traditional bicycles:
• § 4.12 Traffic control devices.
• § 4.13 Obstructing traffic.
• § 4.20 Right of way.
• § 4.21 Speed limits.
• § 4.22 Unsafe operation.
• § 4.23 Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• § 4.30 Bicycles.
Definition of E-bike
An e-bike is a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.) that provides propulsion assistance.
A Federal definition of “low speed electric bicycle” is included in the Consumer Product Safety Act.
Many States have adopted policies for regulating e-bikes consistent with this Federal definition, including in some cases a labeling requirement identifying an e-bike’s compliance with the following classifications:
“Class 1 electric bicycle” shall mean an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
“Class 2 electric bicycle” shall mean an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
“Class 3 electric bicycle” shall mean an electric bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour.
Devices with electric motors of 750 watts (1 h.p.) or more of power and not included as Class 1, Class 2 or Class 3 in the classification system above are managed as motor vehicles under 36 CFR part 4.
Except as specified in the Superintendent’s Compendium, the use of an e-bike within George Washington Memorial Parkway is governed by State law, which is adopted and made a part of the Superintendent’s Compendium. Any violation of State law adopted by this paragraph is prohibited.
George Washington Memorial Parkway will incorporate the e-bike language in all future updates of the Superintendent’s Compendium annually per National Park Service policy memorandum 19-01 and will continue to evaluate the e-bike use taking into consideration public health and safety, natural and cultural resource protection, and other management activates and objectives.
Finally, pursuant to 36 CFR 1.7, this determination is available to the public via the park website, and in writing upon request.
Approval: Charles Cuvelier, Superintendent
Date: September 26, 2019
