Forest Services to give e-bike access to more than 100 miles of Tahoe trails

LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service issued the final decision for the Basin-Wide Trails Analysis Project. The project will expand e-bike use and trail system access and connectivity on the Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.

“This is a highly anticipated project,” said Forest Supervisor Erick Walker. “During the planning process, interested community members submitted feedback that was instrumental in shaping the final decision.”

Planning for this large-scale trail connectivity project included analysis of the current road and trail system map, potential environmental impacts, and needs for e-bike access while ensuring public safety.
Project work is expected to start in June 2026. Activities will include:

• Constructing new e-bike trails, including a new branch of the Pope-Baldwin Bike Path open to e-bikes, new motorcycle trails, and new non-motorized trails
• Designating new routes open to e-bikes and new routes open to motorcycles
• Constructing three new trailheads
• Developing and upgrading existing trailheads, parking areas, and access points
• Providing paved parking and restrooms at Pine Drop, Brockway Summit and Elks Point
• Upgrading road and trail crossings for aquatic organism passage
• Installing wayfinding and interpretive signs

Currently, e-bike use is permitted on national forest roads and trails designated for motor vehicle use in accordance with the Forest Service’s Travel Management Rule and Motor Vehicle Use Maps. The Motor Vehicle Use Maps will be updated for the e-bike and motorcycle trails included in the decision.

The final Decision Notice and project documents can be found on the project webpage or on Pinyon Public. Questions may be directed to Environmental Coordinator Ashley Sibr at [email protected].
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