E-bike, horse problems on Acadia’s Carriage Roads
SEAL HARBOR – Electronic bikes are raising a little more than dust on some carriage paths.
What’s more dangerous than a horse getting spooked by an electronic bike?
“If you slam your brakes next to the horses, they’re probably going to startle and jump and it could potentially cause a runaway,” said Emily Carpenter, general manager of Carriages of Acadia.
With the recent introduction of e-bikes, Acadia National Park has seen problems increase within the past year.
According to Carpenter, adding the motor can cause bad accidents.
“If we don’t know if they’re coming down a hill or around the corner, we are just afraid it’s a matter of time before there is a bad accident,” said Carpenter.
In September 2019, the park allowed Permit 1 Class e-bikes on carriage roads, which increased the accessibility of e-bikes.
They have been popular throughout the summer.
Acadia’s Carriage Roads are shared by bicyclists, horseback riders, runners and horse carriages.
“They’re carriage roads. They weren’t meant as bicycle roads, they were meant as carriage roads for no motor vehicles. They weren’t built for a motor vehicle in mind. They were built to avoid motor vehicles,” said Carpenter.
According to the Acadia National Park information officer, the speed limit for all vehicles, including motor bikes, is 20 mph.
But what rules should visitors follow while riding on the carriage roads?
“Any rule that would apply to a classic bicycle applies to a Class 1 e-bike. Same rules, you know, obey the speed limit, wear a helmet, yield to everyone else and everyone yields to horse,” said Christie Anastasia, information officer of Acadia National Park.
By following these rules, people can have a safer experience.
Anastasia urged people to be respectful and kind towards the horses while they share the roads.
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