E-BIKES: Courteous is always best

A month ago I purchased a recumbent fat wheel trident trike (a three-wheeler). I already have 169 miles trail riding. My trike is a partial assist pedal bike. I’m in my late 80s and haven’t been able to bike ride for a decade. Old age, balance, etc. It took me two years to convince my wife I wasn’t going to be run over by a truck. I exercise almost daily, and even my doctor said this would be OK and helpful for what’s left of my body.

I’ve road the Trail of the Coeur d’Alenes both ways. Section by section both ways except from Wallace to Mullan and back. Every section is a great ride — nothing like being out in nature. Never had a problem with riders not being courteous or helpful. Three-wheelers being wider, I always slow down passing those stopped or going slower — children, etc.

The only time I have experienced the comments stated about the total e-bikes is in my local trips, the North Idaho Centennial Trail. The Centennial has a lot of joggers and families with small children walking or riding bikes, or walking with baby carriages.

The no pedal e-bike is used from what I’ve seen is mostly by younger people. They don’t seem to slow down much no matter who they are passing (going or coming) — joggers, children, families or whoever. Reminds me of me when I was a lot younger — fast is always more fun — no matter what you were up to.

Bottom line — there should be more control on “no pedal” e-bikes. They are small motorcycles. If they weren’t, they wouldn’t buy them. Do they require a driver license? Whatever, I’ve seen speed limits and they all seem reasonable. Young or old, courteous is always best.

J.W. VANCE

Coeur d’Alene