[BikeCommute]

I just got off the phone with the Park Authority. At this time ebikes are not allowed on the W&OD. There have been requests to allow the lower (meaning less powerful, top speed under 20 MPH) class of ebikes to use the trail and that is under consideration, an announcement will be sent if the rules changes. I have seen the police pull them over at the intersections but I am not sure if that is because they were not allowed on the trail or if it was because of a crossing violation.

[BikeCommute]

@n18 180370 wrote:

W&OD Detour in Sterling for the next two weeks, Monday to Thursday only(Aug 20-23, and Aug 27-30), 7 AM to 5 PM. Detour consists of both paved and compacted gravel, and it’s about 1,500 feet. More details at the link below:

https://www.novaparks.com/parks/washington-and-old-dominion-railroad-regional-park/updates/wod-trail-alert-sterling-detour

The detour is a little sketchy on a road bike and it is long way to walk your bike as the signs suggest. I usually get there about 5:30 in the evening and the trail is still blocked at that time – it is open over night so the morning commute is okay.

[BikeCommute]

@NovaEbike 176106 wrote:

that thread is all good info.

I’ll throw in my unpopular opinion here though since my commute is 20 miles each way as well. As my screen name implies, I ride an ebike. I started for fitness. I had gotten fat and out of shape (300 lbs, 6′, scary BMI). When I was younger, I had biked a lot including some commuting, so it was trying to get back into shape. When I started, I had to use every bit of assistance the bike would give me. Over the past 9 months, I’ve been dialing it back and will continue to do so until I can do my commute on a regular bike. That said, I’ve ridden regular bike some days and yeah, it’s tough. Mostly because I’m still about 50 lbs overweight. Even when I get to the point where I can commute regularly on an unassisted bike, I might still find myself taking the ebike a couple days a week. The ability to turn up the assistance level if I’m sore or mentally fatigued or even if my knees are bothering me is a great thing. (or when there’s a 22 mph headwind like today’s ride home). Some people will look down on you, but honestly, I’ve had quite a number of other commuters mention to me that they’re thinking about an ebike for their commutes because it would allow them to do it 5 days a week vs 3-4. That doesn’t mean they’re planning on flying down the trail at 30 mph, but being able to maintain 15-17 mph for 40 miles per day 5 days a week without killing themselves.

anyways, food for thought. and a plug for juiced bikes since they make a really affordable ebike with really good range.

You might want to check with the Park Authority about your eBike. I was told by the Park Authority that they are considered to be motorized and are not permitted on trails including the W&OD and other trails where the Northern VA Park Service has authority.

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