Trails

Denver Parks & Recreation (DPR) is implementing a 180-day Rule Directive that will allow e-devices on Denver trails and park facilities. During this pilot period, DPR will evaluate how e-device use can safely interact with other park activities.

E-devices are defined as electric and/or battery-powered bicycles, scooters, skateboards, “Segways”, unicycles and similar standing or sitting low-powered mobility devices.

Read the full 180-day Rule Directive. (PDF)

Why
E-devices have become increasingly popular in the past couple of years, prompting city agencies and officials to take a closer look at rules that govern public rights-of-way and how they impact mobility options for people traveling throughout Denver. DPR is aware that e-devices are being used in parks and on trails and must evaluate how to best manage this activity.

When
To accommodate the growing number of e-bike and scooter users, DPR has decided to formally evaluate how these devices impact park and trail visitors via the 180-day Rule Directive.

The 180-day directive will be in place May 17 – November 11, 2019 with a public hearing with the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and pending public feedback.

What is an e-device?
E-devices are defined as electric and/or battery-powered bicycles, scooters, skateboards, “Segways”, unicycles and similar standing or sitting low-powered mobility devices.

Where will e-devices be allowed?
With some exceptions, e-devices will be allowed wherever bicycles are currently allowed.

What yield pattern should be followed?
E-devices must yield to everyone and bicycles must yield to pedestrians—all must keep right and announce to pass on the left.

What is NOT allowed on trails?
If a device can be registered for street use, it is not allowed on off-street trails or sidewalks. Additionally, no device more than half the width of a trail is allowed (trails are about 10 feet wide in most areas)—everyone should be conscious of riding side-by-side and refrain from doing so in crowded areas.

Can trails now be accessed for commercial use?
Current rules regarding vending and commercial use still apply. Anyone using park facilities for commercial operation must only be passing through and cannot stage within DPR facilities.

How will rules be enforced?
The DPR Park Ranger program will continue hiring additional seasonal staff to accommodate system-wide needs during the busy warm-weather months. As always, Park Rangers will proactively patrol DPR’s most heavily-used facilities to help identify problem areas and educate visitors about park rules, public resources, trail etiquette, safety issues and more.

How can residents report concerns?
During the pilot period, residents were able to report concerns via an online tool that included detailed location information. Park use violations should be reported to 311 (720.913.1311) while the activity is occurring so that a Park Ranger can be dispatched if necessary.

How will this pilot be evaluated?
Please report any incidents related to the use of e-devices via the online evaluation tool which will be used to track potential problem-areas and challenges related to e-vehicles in parks and on trails.

At the end of the 180-day pilot period, DPR will evaluate issues reported via this online tool, 311 and pocketgov reports, along with incidents logged by Park Rangers. DPR recognizes the popularity of e-devices as a convenient method of transportation and may implement rule modifications to help make them a successful transportation option while maximizing the safety of other park and trail users. 

For the safety and enjoyment of all park users, cyclists, e-device users and pedestrians must follow trail rules and etiquette: 

• Speed limit: 15 MPH (as conditions allow—slow down if necessary!)
• Yield when entering the trail
• Yield to pedestrians
• Do not stop in travel lanes
• Stay to the right; announce to pass on the left
• Lights must be on after sundown
• Always wear a helmet!
• Do not occupy more than half the width of the trail, either single-device or side-by-side
• Call 311 (720.913.1311) to report incidents, camps, crashes & concerns
• Submit feedback on the Rule

NOTE: This rule impacts Denver Parks and Trails ONLY.