Implementing Secretary’s Order (SO) 3376 Increasing Recreational Opportunities through the use of Electric Bikes (SO 3376)
In Reply Refer To: March 5, 2020
8340 (930) P
EMS TRANSMISSION: 3/5/2020
Instruction Memorandum No. ID-2020-015
Expires: 09/30/2023
To: All Field Offices
From: State Director
Subject: Implementing Secretary’s Order (SO) 3376 Increasing Recreational Opportunities through the use of Electric Bikes (SO 3376) DD: March 31, 2020
Program Area: Recreation and Visitor Services; Travel and Transportation Management Planning.
Purpose: This Instruction Memorandum (IM) provides Idaho direction for implementing SO 3376.
Administrative or Mission Related: Mission
Policy/Action: SO 3376 and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Information Bulletin (IB) 2020-003, do not by themselves authorize e-bikes on BLM trails or areas that are designated for non-motorized travel.
E-bikes are authorized on all routes and areas open to motorized use. E-bikes are not currently authorized on routes or areas designated closed to off-highway vehicles (OHVs).
Until the regulations are revised in accordance with SO 3376, e-bikes may be allowed on non-motorized routes where bicycles are permitted only if an authorized officer issues a written decision authorizing e-bike use in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Law and policy require the BLM to conduct a public planning process to change the designation of a trail to allow for e-bikes. Field offices will engage stakeholders and the public in decisions related to e-bike use. NEPA compliance is an essential step in the decision-making process. Refer to Attachment 1.
Each district should submit a brief summary to Shannon Bassista (see Contact section) by March 31, 2020, that addresses the following:
1) The number of miles of designated non-motorized trails that are open to traditional bicycles in each Field Office.
2) The demand for e-bike use on the designated non-motorized trails and your preferred approach to address this demand.
A Communications Plan has been developed and will be disseminated by External Affairs, with the goal of informing internal and external audiences about the policies and procedures for designating trails where e-bikes may be used.
Timeframe: This IM is effective immediately.
Background: On August 29, 2019, Secretary of the Interior David Bernhardt issued SO 3376 for the purpose of increasing recreational opportunities through the use of e-bikes. The Order defined Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes and identified that low-speed electric bicycles operated in pedal assist mode should generally be given the same access as traditional bicycles.
SO 3376 directs the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to develop a proposed rule to revise 43 CFR § 8340.0-5 and any associated regulations to be consistent with the Order, add a definition for e-bikes consistent with 15 U.S.C. § 2085, and expressly exempt all Class 1, 2, and 3 e-bikes as defined in Section 4a of the Order from the definition of off-road vehicles or motorized vehicles.
BLM (IB) 2020-003, provided additional information on implementing SO 3376, coupled with Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
Manual/Handbook Sections Affected: None
Coordination: Idaho State Office, District and Field Office Staff
Contact: For further information or questions, please contact Shannon Bassista, Trails and Travel Management Program Lead (208) 373-3845, or by email at sbassista@blm.gov.
Boise District with Union: Management is reminded to notify and satisfy any bargaining requirements prior to implementation.
Signed by:
John F. Ruhs
State Director
Authenticated by:
Robyn Anderson
Administrative Specialist
1 Attachment
1 – Potential Approach/Process for Field Office Consideration of E-Bike Use (1p)