pritchdog

@Sweatypants: Yes!!

https://www.imba.com/sites/default/files/eMTB%20Study%20Fact%20Sheet%20.pdf FIELD STUDY HYPOTHESES AND INITIAL RESULTS IMBA developed these hypotheses for this small initial study (one site, with one set of environmental conditions): • Physical impacts to trails from eMTBs will likely fall somewhere between those caused by mountain bikes and motorcycles. We expect that they will much more closely resemble those of mountain bikes. • We expect that eMTBs may lead to more soil displacement under certain conditions, such as through turns, including bermed turns; on ascents and descents; and where there are abrupt changes in trail conditions. Initial observations suggest good support for the field study hypotheses. We saw some differences between the impacts of eMTBs and mountain bikes, particularly at turns and grade changes. However, for the most part, the soil impacts observed in this study were not greatly different from those of mountain bikes, and were much less than those associated with motorcycle use. IMBA has not completed the analysis of study data, but initial observations appear to support our hypotheses under this limited set of conditions. The results of the land manager survey and social impacts analysis are still being compiled. The entire study will be completed by the end of 2015. IMBA has worked very hard to define mountain biking as non-motorized. IMBA recognizes that eMTBs, particularly those equipped with Type 1 pedal-assist are substantially different from other motorized uses, and may warrant a separate category and new management strategies. IMBA does not have an advocacy interest in the eMTB study, but is leading this study as a respected partner of land management agencies, to further knowledge about recreational trails, and to inform future discussions with members, chapters, land mangers, the bike industry, and other user groups.