The Cannon Valley Trail Joint Powers Board has adopted the MN DNR Rules for use of Electric-Assist/Pedal- Assist Bicycles on the CVT
Electric-assist or pedal-assist bicycles are allowed on the Cannon Valley Trail, MN State Trails, or wherever normal bicycles are allowed, if they meet the following definition in Minnesota Statutes 169.011, Subdivision 27.
- 2-3 wheels
- a saddle and fully operable pedals for human propulsion
- an electric motor that is:
- 1,000 watts or less,
- incapable of propelling faster than 20 miles per hour,
- incapable of further increasing the speed of the device when human power alone is used to propel the vehicle at a speed of more than 20 miles per hour, and
- disengages or ceases to function when the vehicle brakes are applied.
A motorized bicycle that does not meet the definition of an electric-assist/pedal-assist bicycle is not allowed on state trails where motorized vehicles are prohibited.
When riding on state trails, remember to yield to pedestrians and slower trail users, and give an audible signal if passing.
In addition to the MN DNR rules stated above, the CVT does not recommend the usage of electric-assist/pedal-assist bicycles using only the throttle as a means of propulsion as opposed to throttle assist when pedaling.
All Electric-assist/pedal- assist bikes must follow all trail policies and ordinances. Including the recommended speed limit of 20 mph.
OPDMD Devices not allowed on the Cannon Valley Trail:
(exceptions need to be approved by the CVT JPB)
ATVs, golf carts, or other power-driven mobility devices, are not recognized as appropriate devices for the Cannon Valley Trail for the following reasons:
- The trail is known to have a high volume of users and has two-way traffic areas.
- The concern of these devices is staying below the recommended trail speed limit of 20 MPH.
- A width restriction allows for safe passing of other OPDMDs, bicycles and pedestrians two-way traffic without causing users to venture off-trail at risk of personal injury and harm to natural resources.
- The unrealistic administrative burden on trail staff to identify safety features, size and speed of each device upon entry, including any form of assessment of rider abilities
- Engine noise and exhaust odors can produce a significant disturbance to native wildlife and can negatively impact the health of other trail users which would affect the overall trail atmosphere
Internal Combustion Devices
The Cannon Valley Trail possesses significant natural topographical features and ecological resources that are managed to support a wide range of plant and animal communities in harmony with public recreation. These devices may present a substantial risk of harm to operators, visitors, and the immediate environment due to their internal combustion engines and relatively large dimensions, weight, driving range and/or horsepower. Additional risks posed by gas-powered devices include:
- Volatile fuels present a risk of fire created by ignition systems and the heat of engine combustion.
- Fuel tanks may leak or fuel may spill during refueling. Fuel leaks damage the environment and may cause fire.
- Engine noise can produce a significant zone of disturbance to native wildlife and can negatively impact overall trail atmosphere. Noise presents a health risk to park users when it exceeds 70dB, which the World Health Organization has set as a maximum safe noise level in the work place. Many gas-powered devices, such as ATV and motor bikes, have the capacity to routinely exceed this threshold level under otherwise normal operating conditions.
- Under certain conditions, the exhaust of small internal combustion engines may pose an air quality risk for park visitors and employees.
