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Proposal would allow bicycles on conservation area roads

Proposal would allow bicycles on conservation area roads

By Missouri Conservation Commission

A proposal would add electric bicycles and allow bicycle use on many conservation areas where suitable. The Commission gave initial approval on the proposed change to regulations on expanding bicycle use on many department-area service roads.

The proposed regulation initially approved by the Commission did not include allowing electric bicycles, known as e-bikes. MDC staff are now exploring amending the regulation to include the use of certain classes of electric bicycles.

The use of motorized vehicles, including electric bicycles, is currently not allowed on conservation-area multi-use trails and service roads.

Currently, bicycle use on approximately 1,000 conservation areas is restricted to roads open to public-vehicle traffic and some multi-use trails. This regulation change would expand bicycle access to include most service roads on MDC areas.

“Many of our conservation-area users have expressed interest in allowing bicycles on service roads for greater access to the areas,” said Mike Hubbard, deputy director and chair of the Regulations Committee. “Opening service roads to bicycles will provide greater opportunities for cyclists – and also hunters, anglers, and wildlife watchers – wanting to access more of their conservation areas. Adding the allowance of electric bicycles will further expand that access.”

The Regulations Committee will revisit an expanded proposed regulation during its mid-year code review in July and present a proposed regulation to the Commission in August. If approved by the Commission at its Aug. 27 public meeting, a public comment period would follow.

After reviewing comments received, a proposal for a final vote by the Commission would occur at its Dec. 10 public meeting. If approved, the change would become effective March 1, 2022.

Service roads are non-public roads on MDC areas used by staff to conduct resource management activities. They are listed on conservation area maps at areas and on the MDC website. Some service roads are currently used as walking paths by the public. MDC notes that conditions of service roads in department areas vary greatly, and roads are not maintained at the level of public multi-use bicycle trails and public roads.

Exceptions would be service roads on waterfowl-hunting areas during hunting seasons, areas closed to other activities during hunting seasons, and wildlife refuges. Exceptions would also include area-access roads used by staff at fish hatcheries and other areas where bicycle use would conflict with other uses or cause damage to natural resources.

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