My friends and family thoroughly enjoy spending time hiking and biking in DuPont State Forest.  We realize that it is a popular park used by people riding horses, bikers, and hikers.  Visiting recently, we were dismayed to read the posted signs and rules stating that e-bikes are not allowed on any of the forest roads and trails.

My husband and I are retired (age 65+) and regularly ride e-bikes for recreation and exercise.  Because of the hills throughout DuPont, it is difficult for many seniors like us to ride standard bicycles there.  Prior to the ‘No E-bikes Allowed’ signs going up, we and others regularly rode e-bikes at DuPont.  They look like regular bikes, are quiet, and riders follow the same rules as other cyclists.  I doubt most people were aware that e-bikes were even ridden there.

I’ve looked at the letter on the Friends of DuPont State Forest website rules and regulations stating that e-bikes are not allowed and that e-bike riders may instead visit other parks that either require payment or are at least an hour’s drive away. https://www.dupontforest.com/e-bike-rules-in-dupont-state-forest/
Motorized vehicles use the forest roads at DuPont, and e-bikes should also be allowed.  Because the roads are dirt/gravel, speed is not an issue.  Looking at the rules page more closely, it appears that e-bikes with throttles may be an issue.  If this is the case, DuPont should only allow class 1 and class 3 e-bikes.  
 https://www.juicedbikes.com/pages/e-bike-classifications

We are asking that you reconsider the decision disallowing e-bikes, and allow them to be ridden in DuPont State Forest, at least on the forest roads there.  The forest roads are wide and allow plenty of room for horses, hikers and bikers.  This will make the park more assessable to seniors and others who ride e-bikes for exercise and recreation.  Many of the National Parks are changing their policies to allow e-bikes.  We are hopeful that others who agree with this viewpoint will sign this petition to change the existing rule regarding e-bikes.

We appreciate your consideration.