Lawmakers, wildlife officials study E-bikes on trails

ISSAQUAH, Wash. (AP) — The use of electric bikes is surging, so lawmakers and wildlife officials are studying their impacts on trails to determine where they should be allowed. The Washington Department Fish and Wildlife and Department of Natural Resources is conducting a survey that’s looking at the use of e-bikes on natural surface trails. Heide Anderson, recreation planner for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, says they’ve already had 7,000 respondents to that survey, and had at least 120 people at public meetings. Legislation passed last year directs wildlife officials to get input from several groups, including tribal leaders and the disabled community.