Palo Alto E-Bike Ban Faces Local Backlash

Local cyclists are resisting a plan to prohibit e-bikes in all of the city’s open space preserves.

1 minute read

February 23, 2023, 12:00 PM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Gravel trail winds through grassy marshy field in Baylands Park, Palo Alto

The Global Guy / Baylands Park, Palo Alto

Backlash from local residents is forcing Palo Alto to rethink a proposed ban on electric bikes in the city’s open space preserves, reports Gennady Sheyner in Palo Alto Weekly.

The ban was proposed by the Parks and Recreation Commission and would prohibit electric bikes in all of the city’s preserves, including the Baylands, whose gravel trails are a popular destination for bike riders. “In making its recommendation, commission members argued that prohibiting e-bikes at all open space preserves would give the city time to establish regulations, install signage and take other actions that would make the activity safer.”

Cycling advocates argue that the ban shouldn’t extend to the Baylands, where the wide gravel trails make cycling accessible to many residents. The Palo Alto Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, which supports an e-bike ban in other preserves, says the ban would be practically unenforceable and would harm the many seniors and others who use e-bikes in the Baylands. Other critics of the ban say it should differentiate between pedal-assist bikes and other, more powerful e-bikes. The issue will be taken up by the city council on February 27.

Wednesday, February 22, 2023 in Palo Alto Weekly

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Green vintage Chicago streetcar from the 1940s parked at the Illinois Railroad Museum in 1988.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails

Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

July 13, 2025 - WTTV

Blue and silver Amtrak train with vibrant green and yellow foliage in background.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail

The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

July 14, 2025 - Smart Cities Dive

Worker in yellow safety vest and hard hat looks up at servers in data center.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power

Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

July 18 - Inside Climate News

Former MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood standing in front of MARTA HQ with blurred MARTA sign visible in background.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns

MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

July 18 - WABE

Rendering of proposed protected bikeway in Santa Clara, California.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant

A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.

July 17 - San José Spotlight