GABA’s goal is to support all types of active riders. We are in a transition period where the ratio of e-bikes to analog bikes is increasing, and it is our goal to make this a seamless transition. As we age, and want to continue participating in group rides, some of us will transition to an eBike or eTrike (both henceforth referred to as eBikes). So, the question arises,” Are eBikes allowed on GABA Rides?” The answer has several levels.
The first level of yes or no is from Greater Arizona Bicycling Association. The answer there is yes, ebikes are allowed on GABA rides.
The second level of yes or no is from the ride leader. Most ride leaders allow eBikes on their rides. And some ride leaders will sometimes allow eBikes on their rides depending on the type of ride they are leading. So, if the ride posting does not exclude eBikes, eBikes are allowed on that specific ride.
The third level of yes or no is the eBike rider and how well they ride with the group. Ebike riders should maintain the ride leader’s pace and avoid disruptive actions. So, if you are riding an eBike you need to blend in with the non eBike riders not the other way around. Before you join a GABA ride on an eBike, are you familiar with how your eBike handles? Can you maintain a constant speed or are you constantly speeding up and then slowing down, making it extremely difficult and dangerous for the riders behind you to maintain a constant pace. Please practice with your new eBike on several rides prior to joining a GABA group ride or you may be asked by the ride leader not to participate in his future GABA rides.
There are good and some not so good bike and Ebike riders. I asked one of our particularly good and considerate eBike riders to help with a list of “Suggestions of Etiquette for Riding with a Group on an eBike.”
- Zooming along on an eBike is lot of fun, but your riding should not adversely affect the comfort and safety of other members of the group. You may still want to have friends at the end of the ride.
- If you really want to zoom, do it on your own or with a group of other eBikers.
- Try riding your eBike so that no one knows that you are on one.
- Try to ride within the group, as you would if you were on a regular bike, not using your power to stay up front.
- And if the Ride Leader tells the group to ride at their own pace, don’t desert your friends.
- When climbing up hills, be particularly respectful of those riders on regular bikes; this means not zipping by them, and, preferably, not passing them while spouting snide remarks.
- If you must pass another rider, let them know, and do not do it at high speed.
- Try to pedal with the same cadence as those around you; zipping along while barely pedaling might still be exercise, but it is not being a member of the group in good standing.
- As much as possible, avoid the use of throttles. They may be needed at startups on heavy bikes, but to others it may seem like you are riding a motorbike not a bicycle.
- Again remember, try riding your eBike so that no one knows you are on one.