SB0212 Would Slow Cyclists and Mountain Bikers on Trails and Pathways
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (February 4, 2025) — A new bill in the Utah State Legislature would slow bicyclists and mountain bikers to 20 mph on all trails and pathways. SB0212, sponsored by Sen. Jen Plumb, aims to modify definitions of electric motorcycles, e-scooters, and mini-motorcycles. Additionally, it would change the standard for all electric bicycles and require helmet use by those under 21. The current law only requires helmet use for class 3 e-bikers under 21.
The new trails speed limit language is as follows:
(5)An individual operating a device described in Subsection (1) on a sidewalk, path, trail, across a driveway, or across a roadway in a crosswalk may not operate at a speed greater than the lesser of:
(a)the posted speed limit; or
(b)if a speed limit is not posted, 20 miles per hour.
The bill would have the effect of slowing bicyclists and mountain bikers on all trails and many pathways with no speed limits currently and all mountain bike trails. This would have the consequence of eliminating mountain bike racing and gravel racing in Utah since mountain bikers and gravel racers often exceed 20 mph on downhills. It would also create problems for any cyclist on a downhill pathway where speeds of 20 mph are easily reached by coasting casual recreational riders.
The current law reads:
(4)A person operating a bicycle or a vehicle or device propelled by human power on a
sidewalk, path, or trail, or across a driveway, or across a roadway on a crosswalk may
not operate at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the existing
conditions, giving regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing.
The motorcycle definition portion of the bill is needed to clarify Surron and Zero type electric motorcycles and, however the bill language is unclear. The way it is written, electric bicycles could be considered motorcycles.
(46)”Motorcycle” means:
(a)a motor vehicle, other than a tractor, having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider
and designed to travel with not more than three wheels in contact with the ground,
regardless of whether the vehicle is propelled by an electric motor or internal
combustion engine; or
(b)an autocycle.
The bill is set for a hearing in the Senate Transportation, Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Committee on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at 3:40 PM in
220 Senate Building at the Utah State Capitol.
