King County Park's Proposed Title 7 Changes
King County Park's Proposed Title 7 Changes
King County Parks is proposing a number of changes to Title 7 and the King County Code which guides how King County Parks manages, and the public uses, our Parks, Trails, and Open Spaces. These changes are meant to update and modernize the Code in a way that accurately reflects the ways these public assets are managed and used.
Some changes are technical, such as adding new definitions to the code, while others are more substantial, such as allowing e-bikes to operate on regional trails to align with recently changed Washington law, known as the Revised Code of Washington (RCW).
By completing this survey you will learn more about these proposed changes and have the chance to provide your feedback.
In 2018, the Washington legislature updated state law, known as the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), to allow the use of pedal and throttle-assist e-bikes (specifically Class 1 and Class 2 electric-assisted bicycles) on shared-use paths (regional trails), subject to local jurisdictions laws and regulations (RCW 46.61.710). In 2019, the law was further amended to allow the use of motorized foot scooters (e-scooters) on shared-use paths as well.
King County Parks is proposing to allow the use of Class 1 (Pedal Assist) and Class 2 (Throttle Assist) e-bikes on regional trails, consistent with the RCW. In fall 2019, we gathered some preliminary input from on-trail intercept surveys, which showed that of the nearly 200 people surveyed, 70% supported this change to the code.
King County Parks is joining with communities, both local and nationwide, in allowing e-bikes on regional trails to ensure that people of all ages and abilities have access to our extensive network. King County Parks will continue educating people who visit our trails about proper trail etiquette and working with the King County Sheriff’s Office to educate and enforce trail rules moving forward.