Bicycling

Bicyclist in woods

NPS

Bicycling is permitted on park roads and in parking areas that are open for motor vehicle use by the public.

Please use caution on all roads, especially on those with little or no shoulder. Watch for loose sand and gravel in some areas. Bicyclists should take proper measures to stay safe, such as riding single-file, wearing bright and/or reflective clothing, and being aware of your surroundings.

E-Bikes

E-bikes are allowed at St. Croix National Scenic Riverway 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.

Definitions

Bicycle: means every device propelled solely by human power upon which a person or persons may ride on land, having one, two, or more wheels, except a manual wheelchair (definition from 36CFR 1.4).

E-bike: The regulation defines electric bicycle to mean a two- or three-wheeled cycle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of not more than 750 watts. The regulation establishes a three-class system to differentiate between the models and top assisted speeds of e-bikes (definition from E-bike memo dated August 2019).

• Class 1 e-bikes have a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 20 mph.
• Class 2 e-bikes have a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the e-bike reaches 20 mph.
• Class 3 e-bikes have a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 28 mph.

For more information

36 CFR §4.30 – BICYCLES in park compendium. Superintendent's Compendium - Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

More about e-bikes in national parks: Electric Bicycles (e-bikes) in National Parks - Biking (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

 

Cable Connector Trail Map

NPS

Bicycle and E-Bike Trails

The following St. Croix National Scenic Riverway trails have been authorized for bicycle and e-bike use:

Cable Connector Trail

The Cable Connector Trail is a 0.25-mile connector trail across NPS land near Cable, Wisconsin.

In 2020 and 2021, the NPS completed the environmental planning and compliance process for the Cable Connector Trail with a Finding of No Significant Impact. This followed a National Environmental Policy Act / Environmental Assessment analysis, including a public comment period in fall 2020.

While the trail itself was approved in 2021, the NPS has a separate process to allow bicycle and e-bike use on it. The NPS Bicycle Rule process required a special regulation (36 CFR § 4.30) and included a public comment period to solicit feedback from community members and partners. This special regulation process is now complete, and the regulation allowing bicycle use on the trail was published in the federal register on February 17, 2022.The rule was final 30 days from this publication date, bicycles and e-bikes were allowed on the Cable Connector Trail on March 21, 2022.

Built in partnership with the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association, the Cable Connector Trail is a 0.25-mile natural surface, multi-use trail connection from the end of a segment of the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association’s Wild River Trail on a former railroad grade, across NPS land, and then connecting to Parker Road. The trail is open for hiking, trail running, and bicycle and electronic-assist bike (e-bike) use in the summer, and silent sports such as fat-tire bicycling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter. No equestrian or other motorized uses are permitted, except for authorized vehicles used for trail maintenance, emergency services and NPS-permitted special events.

Both the Finding of No Significant Impact and the special regulation allowing bicycle and e-bike use can be found on the National Park Service Planning, Environmental and Public Comment (PEPC) website at https://parkplanning.nps.gov/cabletrail.