E-Bikes in Whistler.

Electronically assisted cycling in Whistler

WORCA advocates for the creation, establishment, and maintenance of dedicated mountain bike trails in the Whistler area, and whenever possible, maintains these trails for multi-use purposes.  This includes use, unless otherwise posted or designated, by mountain bikes, Class 1 e-bikes, trail runners, hikers, dog walkers, and other low impact non-motorized trail users.  Class 1 e-bikes are not included at WORCA events as our insurance does not cover their use in formalized events.  WORCA is not a land manager, does not set land use policy, does not undertake enforcement, and must abide by all policies put in place by the respective jurisdiction.  For WORCA, land use policy for the lands containing WORCA-maintained trails is largely determined by one of 3 stakeholders - the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW), The Province of BC (Recreation Sites and Trails BC), and Whistler Blackcomb (in the Controlled Recreation Area - CRA - licensed to Whistler Blackcomb).

At this time, Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on most of the WORCA-maintained trail network, regardless of land manager.  However, there are two exceptions at this time.  The Alpine Trail Network, often identified as the Sproatt Alpine, is closed to all e-bikes and dogs above the Flank Trail.  This is a clear provincial regulation as identified in the Section 57 trail approvals for the Alpine Trail Network and is further reinforced by RMOW policy direction for alpine trail use.  It is noted in the approvals and RMOW direction (RMOW Administrative Council report, July 2019) that the rationale is "for reasons of environmental considerations, user safety, and efforts to advance grizzly bear management. This restriction represents a precautionary approach to risk management".  WORCA, therefore, maintains the Lord of the Squirrels and LESS trails under those use parameters (note that Lord of the Squirrels and LESS are the only WORCA-maintained trails in the Alpine Trail Network).  The other exception is the Emerald Conservation Area, noted as a Protected Area Network "where conservation is valued over recreational interests" (RMOW Administrative Council report, July 2019), but there are no WORCA-maintained mountain bike trails in this area.

In November 2018, WORCA finalized a survey and report on e-bike use and noted the need for improved signage to ensure safe decision-making and clarity in trail direction and trail priority.  Much of this work has been undertaken, noting that Class 1 e-bikes are considered "non-motorized" uses under RMOW and WORCA trail signage designation.  The large majority of the WORCA membership noted that they were not significantly concerned with e-bike use and were either largely neutral or supportive of Class 1 e-bike use as long as trail designations were respected.  WORCA continues to maintain and construct trails to "Whistler Trail Standards" and will amend or modify our methods as we understand the use and needs of each trail or new/revised requirements of land managers.

Class 1 e-bikes (low-speed pedal assisted electric bicycles) are permitted on:

• Valley Trail

• Off-road trails with some exceptions*

• Municipal roads and Highway 99

• Forest Service Roads

* E-Bikes are NOT permitted on:

• Mount Sproatt and Rainbow Mountain alpine trails (anything above Flank: Lord of the Squirrels, Into the Mystic, With a Twist, On the Rocks, Happy Hour, Pot of Gold, LESS & Don't Look Back). This restriction supports environmental considerations, user safety and grizzly bear management in the alpine terrain.

• Emerald Forest Conservation Area, except for the access road connecting Lorimer & Alta Lake roads

• Any hiking-only trails

For further information regarding restrictions on remaining classes of e-bikes and to read more about the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s e-bike policy see the link below.

Survey result highlights

read the complete set of results from our e-bike survey

The results of the E-bike survey that WORCA sent out to members and non-members in November 2018 may be viewed by clicking on the link below: