The National Park Service has proposed the biggest change to its bicycle rules since the current rule was adopted in 2012. Currently, opening even an existing park trail to bikes requires a bike-specific planning document, a mandatory environmental assessment or impact statement, a written determination, a public comment period, and Regional Director approval. No other recreational use requires these additional procedures.
The changes proposed on September 1 would allow parks to evaluate bike access through the same planning and environmental review used for other recreational use decisions, while preserving a more rigorous review process for previously undeveloped areas. An initial public comment period on the proposal is open through November 2nd.
Individuals: take action through IMBA
Go to IMBA’s action page to personalize your comment and follow the submission steps. Share a park experience or explain how an appropriate trail connection could improve your visit. Public comments are due November 2.
You can also submit a comment directly at Regulations.gov. Include “NPS” and RIN 1024-AE97.
Alaska clubs: join the Alaska Off-Road Cycling Alliance (ORCA) letter
Alaska cycling clubs and organizations can contact CMBR to add their organization to the ORCA sign-on letter below. Please respond by Friday, October 30. Include your club’s name and an authorized contact so CMBR can coordinate the sign-on.
What we’re asking NPS to improve:
- Recognize sustainable natural-surface trails.
- Keep bike and e-bike decisions distinct.
The proposal changes the approval process; it would not automatically open trails. Access decisions would still be made park by park, with applicable environmental review and resource protections. Bicycles and e-bikes would remain prohibited in designated Wilderness.
Full ORCA sign-on letter
Letter circulated by CMBR on October 26, 2026. Club sign-ons are coordinated by CMBR; the final signatory list is pending.
Re: Bicycle Use in Park Areas; 36 CFR Part 4; RIN 1024-AE97
Dear National Park Service:
On behalf of The Alaska Off-Road Cycling Alliance (ORCA) and the riders, trail users, and community partners we work with in Alaska, we support the National Park Service’s proposed update to 36 CFR §4.30 and its goal of making appropriate bicycle access easier to consider while preserving sound planning, resource protection, public involvement, and local management discretion.
We encourage NPS to make two changes in the final rule.
First: NPS should go further in streamlining access for appropriate existing natural-surface trails. Existing, sustainably managed natural-surface trails should not automatically require Federal Register rulemaking simply because they have never been surfaced with artificial or processed materials. Many high-quality trails are intentionally maintained with a natural tread and can be sustainable because of good location, grade, drainage, design, and maintenance. The approval process should reflect the actual condition and impacts of a trail, not just whether gravel, pavement, or another processed material has been added. Existing trails with little or no new ground disturbance should be eligible for superintendent-level designation unless the proposal is significant enough to require rulemaking under 36 CFR §1.5(b).
Second: NPS should retain the existing flexibility to manage traditional bicycles and electric bicycles separately, including distinctions among e-bike classes. ORCA generally supports appropriate Class 1 e-MTB access, and traditional mountain bikes and Class 1 e-MTBs can share many of the same trails. At the same time, superintendents should retain clear authority to distinguish among Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bikes; to condition, limit, or close e-bike use without unnecessarily affecting traditional bicycle access; and to manage electric motorcycles, mopeds, and other electric devices that do not meet the regulatory definition of an electric bicycle separately from bicycles and qualifying e-bikes.
These changes would further the purpose of the proposed rule by expanding appropriate bicycle opportunities while preserving the management flexibility needed for different trails, technologies, and local conditions.
We respectfully ask NPS to finalize the proposed streamlining of §4.30 with these changes.
