By Mick Zawislak | Daily Herald
Once the weather breaks, trail users in the Lake County forest preserve system could have more company with the removal of a ban on some electric bicycles.
The forest preserve district enacted e-bike rules four years ago, permitting Class 1 bikes but prohibiting Class 2 and 3, which tend to be heavier and move faster.
But forest commissioners dropped the restriction last week, acknowledging the growing popularity of electric bikes and their value to older riders, people with disabilities or those recovering from injuries.
“We were sensitive to that and thought that was a good issue to review,” said Commissioner Jessica Vealitzek, who heads the board’s operations committee.
The Lake committee began reviewing the rules last fall in response to an increase in public comments, pro and con, related to e-bikes and other electric vehicles on trails.
Lake County joins the Forest Preserves of Cook County, McHenry County Conservation District and the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County in allowing more than one class of e-bike, though speed limits vary.
Illinois Bicycle Rules of the Road identify three classes of e-bikes, all equipped with motors.
Read more here.