RBC E-Bike Policy
Introduction
As E-Bikes are becoming increasingly popular among recreational cyclists, the Board of Directors of Ridgefield Bicycle Club (RBC) believes it is important to establish a policy regarding their use on our group rides. While currently only a small number of RBC members regularly use E-Bikes, as technology improves and E-Bikes become more common, that is likely to change. As we gain more experience with E-Bikes on group rides, our E-Bike policies will adapt. We welcome suggestions and input from Club members regarding this policy and its development.
E-Bike Definitions
There are three categories of E-Bikes, described in general below.
Class 1 are pedal-assisted bikes, equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and ceases to provide assistance when the bike reaches 20 miles per hour.
Class 2 are throttle-assisted bikes, equipped with an electric motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bike whether the rider is pedaling or not, and ceases to provide assistance when the bike reaches 20 miles per hour.
Class 3 are pedal-assisted bikes, equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and ceases to provide assistance when the bike reaches 28 miles per hour.
RBC E-Bike Policy
The following RBC E-Bike policies apply to all RBC sponsored rides and events:
- E-Bikes participating in group rides must be pedal-assisted, meaning that it must be a Class 1 or Class 3 E-Bike.
- Class 2 E-Bikes are prohibited from participating in group rides.
- E-Bike riders will adhere to all the same rules of the road, safety protocols, and riding etiquette that apply to non-E-Bike riders.
- E-Bike riders should inform the Ride Leaders at the beginning of each ride that they are using an E-Bike, and as we are gaining experience in their use, Ride Leaders should remind E-Bike riders of the RBC policies on rules of the road; but each E-Bike rider, not the Ride Leader, is responsible for adhering to the RBC policy regarding the Class of E-Bikes permitted on group rides.
- Similar to all group rides, Ride Leaders have both the authority and the responsibility to alter the manner of riding of any E-Bike rider if, in their judgment, they feel that rider is compromising the safety of others on the ride or violating any RBC policy or convention.
- E-Bike riders may ride anywhere within the group on any level ride and rotate through the paceline along with all other riders. However, when assuming the front position on a paceline, E-bike riders should not accelerate the pace of the group.
- Connecticut state law currently does not allow E-Bikes on bike and rail trails, but New York state law does. However, each NY rail-trail has its own rules and protocols regarding E-Bikes, so Ride Leaders rides should be aware of the rules and inform all riders when posting the ride
E-Bike Riding Etiquette
- Bike riders should avoid aggressively passing other riders when proceeding up upgrades or in adverse wind conditions.
- E-Bike riders should ride to support and maintain the pace of the other riders.
- E-Bike riders should be aware of the braking capability of the heavier E-Bikes and adjust their manner of riding accordingly.
- E-Bike riders are responsible for ensuring they have sufficient battery life to complete the ride without assistance from other riders.