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Experiences and Perceptions of Mountain Bicyclists Regarding eMTBs: User Survey Results PREPARED FOR: Bicycle Product Suppliers Association PREPARED BY: The International Mountain Bicycling Association Trail Solutions Program PO Box 20280 Boulder, CO 80308 SOLUTIONS TRAIL

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Page 1: Experiencesand*Perceptionsof*Mountain* …concerns from mountain bicyclists and other trail users regarding eMTB use on natural surface and non-motorized trails. Questions related

Experiences  and  Perceptions  of  Mountain  Bicyclists  Regarding  eMTBs:    

User  Survey  Results    

PREPARED FOR: Bicycle Product Suppliers Association PREPARED BY: The International Mountain Bicycling Association

Trail Solutions Program PO Box 20280 Boulder, CO 80308

SOLUTIONSTRAIL

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Table  of  Contents  Introduction  ...........................................................................................................................................  3  Summary  of  Key  Findings  ..................................................................................................................  4  Recommendations  Based  on  Survey  Findings  ............................................................................  5  Survey  Findings  .....................................................................................................................................  6  Background  Questions  ..................................................................................................................................  6  Trail  Use  .............................................................................................................................................................  6  Experience  with  eMTBs  ................................................................................................................................  7  Environmental  and  Social  Impacts  ...........................................................................................................  8  Common  Statements  about  eMTBs:  Relative  Agreement  or  Disagreement  ................................  9  Opinions  Filtered  by  Experience  and  Interest  in  eMTBs  .................................................................  12  Opinions  Filtered  by  Age  of  Respondent  ..............................................................................................  14  Respondents  60  and  Over:  Environmental  and  Social  Impacts  ................................................................  15  Respondents  60  and  Over:  Selected  Statements  about  eMTBs  ...  Error!  Bookmark  not  defined.  

Comments  from  Respondents  ..................................................................................................................  17  Appendix  A:  Full  Survey  Text  ........................................................................................................  18  

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Introduction In the fall of 2015, the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) conducted a user survey in order to better understand the concerns of mountain bicyclists and other trail users regarding eMTB use on natural surface trails. A short set of questions assessed the range of concerns from mountain bicyclists and other trail users regarding eMTB use on natural surface and non-motorized trails. Questions related to general concerns about environmental and social impacts, as well as specific types of environmental impacts and potential user conflicts and benefits. Basic demographic information was also captured, including IMBA membership, age, primary trail activity, and whether or not the respondent had tried an eMTB and, if not, whether they had an interest in doing so. The survey was distributed via social media (e.g. Facebook) and IMBA’s email list-serv, where it rapidly spread through the broader mountain bicycling community and to other trail users. Some media sources also posted links to the survey. Each survey response required a unique email address. Between October 30th and November 15th, IMBA received 4,045 responses. The full text of the survey is shown in Appendix A. IMBA has used this type of survey on numerous occasions to gauge interest and gather opinions from our members and the broader mountain bicycling community. Response to this survey outpaced any previous survey by far, garnering over 1,200 responses in the first 12 hours. While not a scientific sample and skewed towards those with strong opinions, the survey nonetheless represents a measure of the relative interest in this topic and the range of concerns among enthusiast mountain bicyclists.

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Summary of Key Findings Overall, respondents expressed great concern over eMTB use of non-motorized trails1, both in terms of potential environmental impacts (erosion and trail widening, in particular) and social/regulatory impacts (“eMTBs are motorized” and will “threaten existing access”). Most respondents strongly agreed with the statements “eMTBs are a form of motorized recreation…” and that they “will threaten existing access that traditional mountain bicyclists currently enjoy.” The main findings of the survey are as follows:

• Survey bias: Respondents tend to skew toward those with strong opinions. • Strong opinions: “eMTBs are a form of motorized recreation” (76%) and “eMTBs

will threaten access” for traditional mountain bicyclists (72%). • Non-controversial perceptions of some eMTB users: In general, respondents accepted

“use by those with diminished physical health or fitness,” and expressed “low concern about trail crowding from eMTBs.”

• Age bias: Respondents over 60 have different views on eMTBs than those under 60.

1 Mountain bicyclists, and most trail users in general, are conscientious about their environment and their trail experience. It seems reasonable to assume that if “horses,” “dog walkers” or even “hikers” substituted for “eMTB users” in any of the questions, responses may have been very similar regarding environmental impacts and many user conflict concerns.

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Recommendations Based on Survey Findings It is IMBA’s public position that mountain bicycling, a low-impact, human-powered and quiet form of recreation, is an appropriate trail use on public lands and consistent with the values of Wilderness land protection, which include recreation in natural landscapes. IMBA recognizes that eMTBs, particularly those equipped with Type 1 pedal-assist, are substantially different from other motorized uses, and may warrant a separate category and new management strategies. IMBA does not have an advocacy or financial interest in this eMTB survey, but has conducted this and similar surveys as a respected partner of land management agencies, to further knowledge about recreational trails, and to inform future discussions with members, chapters, land mangers, the bike industry and other user groups. Policy recommendations based on the findings of this report include:

• Advocate for a distinct trail use class for eMTBs on Federal lands, distinct from mountain bicycling, but also distinct from existing motorized classes.

• Facilitate social dimensions research to develop management and communication tools, minimize impacts to other trail users and provide resources to industry and users.

• Identify and promote existing high quality model trails to eMTB retailers and users. • Identify opportunities to create eMTB-specific trail experiences through existing

federal or state funding sources. • Continue to identify opportunities to increase exposure of the public and land

managers to eMTBs. • Highlight eMTBs as an Other Power-Driven Mobility Device, where appropriate,

and/or for older riders to maintain active lifestyles. User conflict on recreational trails is a complicated issue, but land managers, mountain bicyclists, eMTB supporters and other trail users alike need to understand the roots of the problem in order to better to promote sustainable access policies and mitigate potential user conflict. eMTBs also present a particular challenge for land managers and for mountain bicyclists. They look very much like traditional mountain bikes and their users likely seek similar trail opportunities. eMTBs are not solely human-powered, nor are they comparable with fully motorized vehicles (motorcycles, ATVs and 4x4s, which have power outputs greater than 100 times that of even high-powered eMTB; as well as noise and pollutants that present additional user conflicts not present in electric vehicles). Their novelty on the trails and relatively small user numbers, along with confusion regarding their regulatory status in many areas, has led to heightened fears among mountain bicyclists about the impacts of eMTBs on their experience and access.

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Survey Findings Background Questions IMBA Membership IMBA was interested in comparing the responses of members versus non-members and in evaluating the survey’s reach beyond its membership. Thirty-five percent of respondents identified as IMBA members. When the responses of IMBA members were compared with those of non-members, there was slightly greater concern about environmental and social impacts from eMTBs and potential effects on access for traditional mountain bicycling from IMBA members. Age Age groups matched closely with typical IMBA members, with 60% of respondents between 30 and 50 years of age. A growing share of users falls into the “masters” or baby-boomer categories, with 25% of respondents over the age of 50. This seems to be a potential market for eMTB growth, as mountain bicyclists seek to maintain their trail experiences while they may not physically be as capable. Trail Use Respondents were asked about their primary trail activity and in which trail activities they engage. Not surprisingly, most respondents selected mountain biking as their primary activity (92%). While much lower, the next largest activity selected was eMTB use (3%), followed by hiking and trail running. Equestrian, dirt bike (off-road motorcycle) and ATV use were all less than 1%. When asked about all trail activities that users engage in, nearly all respondents mountain bike (97%), most also hike (72%) and many trail run (32%). The other activities represented less than 10% participation, with dirt biking (off-road motorcycling) at 9.9%, followed by eMTB use at 5.6%. The least popular trail activity was horseback riding (2.4%).

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19+29&14%&

30+39&30%&

40+49&30%&

50+59&18%&

Over&60&7%&

What&is&your&age?&&

Mountain(biking(92%(

eMTB(3%(

Trail(run(1%(

Hike(3%(

Equestrian(1%(

Dirt(bike(0%(

ATV(0%(

What(is(your(primary(trail(acDvity?(

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Experience with eMTBs Relatively few mountain bicyclists have tried eMTBs (22%) or encountered them on trails (25%). Only 40% of trail users are aware of regulations regarding eMTB use on their local trails. Given that many states and municipalities lack any explicit regulations regarding eMTB use, this somewhat limited knowledge is not surprising. In addition to asking whether respondents had tried an eMTB, the survey also asked whether they liked the experience, or, if they had not tried one, whether they wanted to. The majority of respondents had not tried one and said that they did not wish to. When combined with those who had tried an eMTB and did not like it, the overall group of users uninterested in riding eMTBs was 65%. Thirty-five percent are interested in eMTBs and 21% said that they are interested in trying one. Additionally, of those who had tried an eMTB, two-thirds liked the experience. IMBA member responses to this

97%$

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32%$

72%$

2%$ 10%$ 3%$0%#

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Tradi/onal$mountain$biking$

eMTB$use$ Trail$running$ Hiking$ Equestrianism$ Dirt$biking$(motorcycle)$

ATV$

What$trail$ac/vi/es$do$you$engage$in?$$(select$all$that$apply)$

I"have"already"tried"one"and"I"

liked"the"experience"

14%"

I"have"not"tried"one"yet"but"I'd"like"to"see"what"

it's"like"21%"

I"have"already"tried"one"and"I"did&not&like&the"experience"

8%"

I"have"not"tried"one"and"I"do&not&want"

to"try"it"57%"

How&interested&are&you&in&trying&an&eMTB?&

15%$ 15%$

24%$

46%$

0%#

5%#

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Not$concerned$ Slightly$concerned$

Moderately$concerned$

Highly$concerned$

How$concerned$are$you$about$interac<ons$between$trail$users$that$could$arise$with$

increased$eMTB$use$on$trails?$

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question did not differ notably from non-members. Environmental and Social Impacts In general, mountain bicyclists and other trail users are very concerned about potential user conflict and environmental impacts of eMTBs. 70% of respondents indicated that they were moderately or highly concerned about interactions between trail users with eMTBs on trails. Sixty-five percent were similarly concerned about environmental impacts associated with eMTB use on trails. As with the land manager survey, users have slightly greater concerns regarding social impacts than environmental impacts from eMTB use, but both areas present great concern to those surveyed. The level of concern about environmental impacts is very similar between IMBA members and non-members. However, IMBA members are more concerned about potential user conflict. Fifty-two percent of members versus 43% of non-members responded that they are “highly concerned.” Only 10% of members reported that they were “not concerned” about interaction between trail users with eMTB use on trails as compared with 17% of non-members. Respondents were asked to select which environmental impacts from eMTBs were of concern from a list of common trail-associated environmental impacts. Trail erosion and trail widening were of greatest concern by far at 69% and 64%, respectively. Unauthorized trail development was also a strong concern among respondents at 40%.

19%$17%$

25%$

40%$

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Not$concerned$ Slightly$concerned$

Moderately$concerned$

Highly$concerned$

How$concerned$are$you$about$the$possible$environmental$impacts$from$

eMTB$use$on$trails?$

69%$64%$

29%$

10%$

40%$

20%$

0%#

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Trail$erosion$ Trail$widening$ Wildlife$disturbance$

Spread$of$invasive$species$

Unauthorized$trail$

development$

None$

What$possible$impacts$from$eMTB$use$concern$you?$

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Common Statements about eMTBs: Relative Agreement or Disagreement The final set of questions asked users to rate several statements related to environmental impacts, user conflict, and regulatory concerns. Statements were written to reflect several commonly cited potential impacts and benefits of eMTBs, as raised by advocates, media, land managers and IMBA staff. An effort was made to include both positive and negative statements regarding eMTBs. “eMTBs will add more users to already crowded trails.” This statement was relatively uncontroversial, with no strongly positive or negative agreement. This might be influenced by the fact that eMTB use is relatively new, and “sightings” are still uncommon. “eMTBs will threaten existing access that traditional MTBers enjoy.” Fifty-two percent of respondents strongly agreed with this statement, while 13% strongly disagreed. “eMTBs will attain unsafe speeds and threaten other trail users.” Thirty-seven percent of respondents strongly agreed with this statement, but close to half of respondents expressed no opinion (18%) or disagreed (26%). Based upon IMBA’s observations, except for ascending, eMTBs do not appear to go faster than traditional mountain bicycles. In comments, some users expressed concerns about uphill speed, especially when combined with traditional mountain bicycle descent speed. This question does not address that level of detail. “eMTBs are a form of motorized recreation and do not belong on trails managed for non-

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1$($strongly$disagree$

2$ 3$($neutral$ 4$ 5$($strongly$agree$

eMTBs$will$add$more$users$to$already$crowded$trails$

13%$

6%$10%$

16%$

56%$

0%#

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50%#

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1$($strongly$disagree$

2$ 3$($neutral$ 4$ 5$($strongly$agree$

eMTBs$will$threaten$exis>ng$access$that$tradi>onal$MTBers$enjoy$

14%$12%$

18%$ 19%$

37%$

0%#

10%#

20%#

30%#

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70%#

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1$*$strongly$disagree$

2$ 3$*$neutral$ 4$ 5$*$strongly$agree$

eMTBs$will$a=ain$unsafe$speeds$and$threaten$other$trail$users$

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motorized uses.” This statement elicited the most clear opinion with 76% in general agreement. Also, the smallest pecentage of respondents (5%) scored no opinion on this statement, out of all statements. Nineteen percent disagreed with the statement. “eMTBs allow people to experience trails even if they have diminished physical health or fitness.” This statement, like the trail crowding statement, was relatively uncontroversial, with no clear proportion of respondents in strong agreement or disagreement. This response indicates that there will likely be acceptance among mountain bicyclists and other trail users when eMTBs are employed as an assistance device for mobility-impaired users. “eMTBs may have similar impacts to the natural world as traditional mountain bikes and therefore should have similar access.” This statement elicited the strongest disagreement, with 71% in disagreement and 20% in agreement. Many trail users recognize that environmental impacts are not the sole factor in access decisions.

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68%$

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19%$14%$

23%$17%$

27%$

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2$ 3$)$neutral$ 4$ 5$)$strongly$agree$

eMTBs$allow$people$to$experience$trails$even$if$they$have$diminished$

physical$health$or$fitness$

51%$

20%$

9%$6%$

14%$

0%#

10%#

20%#

30%#

40%#

50%#

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1$*$strongly$disagree$

2$ 3$*$neutral$ 4$ 5$*$strongly$agree$

eMTBs$may$have$similar$impacts$to$the$natural$world$as$tradiBonal$mountain$bikes$and$therefore$should$have$similar$

access$

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“eMTBs are not my thing but I think I could get along with them on my local trails” Respondents generally disagreed with this statement, with 63% expressing some level of disagreement (though only 41% at the strongest level) and 19% in agreement. Seventeen percent were “neutral.” Responses to this statement might differ if more specific situations were described, such as specifying singletrack trails open to motorized uses, traditionally non-motorized trails that are doubletrack, or by users with mobility impairments. “eMTBs seem like a cool application of technology and a fun trail experience.” This statement scored similar responses to the previous statement, with general disagreement. Similarly, this statement was scored in a somewhat less clearly polarized way than those regarding whether eMTBs are motorized and related to access.

41%$

23%$17%$

8%$11%$

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1$)$strongly$disagree$

2$ 3$)$neutral$ 4$ 5$)$strongly$agree$

eMTBs$are$not$my$thing$but$I$think$I$could$get$along$with$them$on$my$

local$trails$

46%$

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Opinions Filtered by Experience and Interest in eMTBs In analyzing the survey data, responses were sorted by several different characteristics. IMBA members generally expressed slightly greater level of concern regarding environmental impacts, user conflict, and access, but these responses did not markedly differ from non-members. The three answers below were filtered by interest in trying an eMTB, and show stark differences. eMTBs are a form of motorized recreation and do not belong on trails managed for non-motorized uses. The greatest difference in opinion by interest and/or previous experience with an eMTB was in response to this statement. For those who responded that they “have not tried one and do not want to try it” and those who “have already tried one and I did not like the experience,” 87% scored the highest agreement with the statement. This is in stark contrast with those who “have already tried one and liked the experience” with only 23% in strong agreement. Those who responded that they “have not tried one yet but would like to see what it’s like” were the most neutral, though still generally in agreement with this statement. eMTBs will threaten existing access that traditional MTBers enjoy. This statement elicited similar responses when grouped by experience and interest in eMTBs. Strongest agreement with this statement was by those who “have tried an eMTB and did not like it” (74%), followed closely by those who “have not tried an eMTB and do not want to” (69%). In contrast, 50% of those who have tried an eMTB and liked it strongly disagreed with this statement and only 20% strongly agreed. Again, those who “have not tried an

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1"#"strongly"disagree" 2" 3"#"neutral" 4" 5"#"strongly"agree"

eMTBs"are"a"form"of"motorized"recrea<on"and"do"not"belong"on"trails"managed"for"non#

motorized"uses"

Tried"an"eMTB"&"did"not"like"

Tried"an"eMTB"&"liked"

Want"to"try"an"eMTB"

Do"not"want"to"try"an"eMTB"

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1"#"strongly"disagree" 2" 3"#"neutral" 4" 5"#"strongly"agree"

eMTBs"will"threaten"exis;ng"access"that"tradi;onal"MTBers"enjoy"

Tried"an"eMTB"&"did"not"like"

Tried"an"eMTB"&"liked"

Want"to"try"an"eMTB"

Do"not"want"to"try"an"eMTB"

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eMTB but want to” had the most neutral opinions, though the majority expressed some agreement with the statement (54%). eMTBs may have similar impacts to the natural world as traditional mountain bikes and therefore should have similar access. This statement also showed strong contrast between those who “have tried an eMTB and liked it” and those who “did not like it or have no interest in trying one.” Those who “tried an eMTB and did not like it” and those who “did not want to try one” were both in strong disagreement with this statement (66%). In contrast, those who “have tried an eMTB and liked the experience,” 58% were in strong agreement with the statement, and only 16% strongly disagreed. Those who “have not tried an eMTB but want to” expressed no clear opinion on this statement.

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1"#"strongly"disagree" 2" 3"#"neutral" 4" 5"#"strongly"agree"

eMTBs"may"have"similar"impacts"to"the"natural"world"as"tradi>onal"mountain"bikes"and"therefore"should"have"similar"access"

Tried"an"eMTB"&"did"not"like"

Tried"an"eMTB"&"liked"

Want"to"try"an"eMTB"

Do"not"want"to"try"an"eMTB"

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Opinions Filtered by Age of Respondent Responses were sorted by several different characteristics in analyzing the survey data. When responses were filtered by age of respondent, those 60 and over responded noticeably differently compared with those younger than 60. The responses to questions regarding experience and interest in eMTBs, regarding general concerns regarding environmental and social impacts, and to three statements with the greatest difference in opinion between these age groups (60 and over compared to under 60) are shown below. How interested are you in trying an eMTB? Responses to this question were noticeably different when grouped by age categories. Respondents 60 and over expressed more interest in eMTBs, with 52% expressing positive views of eMTBs (“tried and liked the experience” and “have not tried but would like to” at 28% and 24%, respectively) as compared with only 33% expressing similar responses for respondents under 60.

I"have"already"tried"one"and"I"liked"the"experience."

28%"

I"have"not"tried"one"yet"but"I'd"like"to"see"what"it's"like."24%"

I"have"already"tried"one"and"I"did"not"like"the"experience."

3%"

I"have"not"tried"one"

and"I"do"not"want"to"try"it."45%"

How$interested$are$you$in$trying$an$eMTB?$Age:$60$and$Over$

I"have"already"tried"one"and"I"liked"the"

experience."12%"I"have"not"

tried"one"yet"but"I'd"like"to"see"what"it's"like."21%"

I"have"already"tried"one"and"I"did"not"like"the"experience."

9%"

I"have"not"tried"one"and"I"do"

not"want"to"try"it."58%"

How$interested$are$you$in$trying$an$eMTB?$Age:$Under$60$

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 How concerned are you about interactions between trail users that could arise with increased eMTB use on trails? In general, while respondents among all age groups showed similar level of concern regarding user conflict, older respondents differed notably in the number expressing no concern. Twenty-five percent of those 60 and over responded “not concerned” to this question, as compared with 13% of those under 60. How concerned are you about the possible environmental impacts from eMTB use on trails? The level of concern about environmental impacts follows a similar trend when grouped by age, with overall high concern regarding environmental impacts. However, as with potential user conflict, older respondents were much more likely to express no concern: nearly equal numbers of those 60 and over responded that they were “not concerned” (31%) as responded that they were “highly concerned” (33%). This is contrast to respondents under 60, where only 17% expressed no concern and 40% expressed high concern about environmental impacts.

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Not$concerned$ Slightly$concerned$

Moderately$concerned$

Highly$concerned$

How$concerned$are$you$about$the$possible$environmental$impacts$from$

eMTB$use$on$trails?$

60$and$Over$

Under$60$

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Not$concerned$ Slightly$concerned$

Moderately$concerned$

Highly$concerned$

How$concerned$are$you$about$interac6ons$between$trail$users$that$could$arise$with$

increased$eMTB$use$on$trails?$

60$and$Over$

Under$60$

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“eMTBs are a form of motorized recreation and do not belong on trails managed for non-motorized uses.” This statement elicited the clearest opinion for those under 60, but reponses were not as polarized for those 60 and over. Thirty-eight percent of respondents 60 and over disagreed with statement as compared with 16% of those under 60. However, a majority of all age groups agreed with the statement, with 57% of respondents 60 and over in agreement and 78% of those under 60. eMTBs allow people to experience trails even if they have diminished physical health or fitness.” This statement was relatively uncontroversial among all respondents, with no strong opinion. But for respondents 60 and over, 55% were in agreement with the statement, with 44% expressing strong agreement, as compared with 25% of those under 60. eMTBs will threaten existing access that traditional MTBers enjoy.” This statement elicited very strong agreement from respondents overall, but responses differed markedly when grouped by age. While 74% of respondents under 60 expressed concern that eMTBs might threaten access for traditional mountain bicycling, 50% of respondents 60 and over were in agreement. Likewise, 17% of younger respondents were not concerned that eMTBs might threaten access, as compared with 37% for those 60 and over.

0%#

10%#

20%#

30%#

40%#

50%#

1"#"strongly"disagree"

2" 3"#"neutral" 4" 5"#"strongly"agree"

eMTBs"allow"people"to"experience"trails"even"if"they"have"diminished"physical"health"or"fitness"

60"and"Over"

Under"60"

0%#

10%#

20%#

30%#

40%#

50%#

60%#

70%#

1"#"strongly"disagree"

2" 3"#"neutral" 4" 5"#"strongly"agree"

eMTBs"are"a"form"of"motorized"recrea<on"and"do"not"belong"on"trails"managed"for"

non#motorized"uses"

60"and"Over"

Under"60"

0%#

10%#

20%#

30%#

40%#

50%#

60%#

1"#"strongly"disagree"

2" 3"#"neutral" 4" 5"#"strongly"agree"

eMTBs"will"threaten"exis;ng"access"that"tradi;onal"MTBers"enjoy"

60"and"Over"

Under"60"

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Comments from Respondents The final question in the survey asked users to: “Provide any comments, words or phrases that come to mind when you think of sharing trails with eMTBs, from "the more the merrier" to “this is a terrible idea.”” This open comment field generated 2,878 responses, with an average length of 50 words. A word cloud best showcases the key words used in responses. Common words and those that did qualitatively inform specific user concerns (e.g. trails, people, idea and any words similar to “bike” or “eMTB”) were excluded.

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Appendix A: Full Survey Text  Electric mountain bikes, also called eMTBs, are a rapidly growing component of the bicycle market in the United States and around the globe. As they become more popular, and more capable of taking on singletrack trails, IMBA has responded to calls from our members (as well as our partners in the land managing realm) to study the possible outcomes of the increased use of eMTBs on natural-surface trails. In order to guide our research into the potential social and environmental impacts related to eMTBs we would like to receive your input. This survey should take about 10 minutes to complete. Thank you for your participation!

1. First Name:

2. Last Name:

3. Postal Code:

4. Email:

5. What is your age?

• Under 18 • 19-29 • 30-39 • 40-49 • 50-59 • Over 60

6. Are you an IMBA member?

• Yes • No

7. What trail activities do you engage in? (Select all that apply)

• Traditional mountain biking • eMTB use • Trail running • Hiking • Equestrianism • ATV • Dirt biking (motorcycle)

8. What is your primary trail activity? (Select one)

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• Mountain bike • eMTB • Trail run • Hike • Equestrian • Dirt bike • ATV

9. How interested are you in trying an eMTB?

• I have already tried one and I liked the experience • I have not tried one yet but I'd like to see what it's like • I have already tried one and I did not like the experience • I have not tried one and I do not want to try it

10. Are you aware of regulations regarding eMTB use on your local trails?

• Yes • No

11. Have you ever encountered an eMTB on a singletrack trail?

• Yes • No

12. How concerned are you about interactions between trail users that could arise with

increased eMTB use on trails? (Select one) • Not concerned • Slightly concerned • Moderately concerned • Highly concerned

13. How concerned are you about the possible environmental impacts from eMTB use on

trails? (Select one) • Not concerned • Slightly concerned • Moderately concerned • Highly concerned

14. What possible impacts from eMTB use concern you? (Select all that apply)

• Trail erosion • Trail widening • Wildlife disturbance • Spread of invasive species • Unauthorized trail development

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• None

15. Please score the following statements with 1 indicating the lowest level of agreement and 5 the highest level of agreement:

eMTBs seem like a cool application of technology and a fun trail experience 1 2 3 4 5 eMTBs allow people to experience trails even if they have diminished physical health or fitness 1 2 3 4 5 eMTBs may have similar impacts to the natural world as traditional mountain bikes and therefore should have similar access 1 2 3 4 5 eMTBs will attain unsafe speeds and threaten other trail users 1 2 3 4 5 eMTBs will add more users to already crowded trails 1 2 3 4 5 eMTBs are not my thing but I think I could get along with them on my local trails 1 2 3 4 5 eMTBs are a form of motorized recreation and do not belong on trails managed for non-motorized uses 1 2 3 4 5

eMTBs will threaten existing access that traditional MTBers enjoy 1 2 3 4 5

16. Provide any comments, words or phrases that come to mind when you think of sharing trails with eMTBs, from "the more the merrier" to "this is a terrible idea":