The American River Parkway’s smooth trails and scenic views draw cyclists of all kinds. But these days, Sacramento County Regional Parks Ranger George Tzikas has his hands full managing a growing problem that’s turning family-friendly park paths into unwitting speed courses.
E-bikes have exploded in popularity across Sacramento, and with them comes a troubling trend: riders aren’t sticking to the 15 miles per hour speed limit on the parkway. Tzikas, who became a ranger in 2022, has watched this shift unfold firsthand across the 30-mile stretch he patrols.“We’ve definitely started focusing more on the e-bikes,”he explains.“They have become prevalent.”The real issue isn’t just about rule-breakers—it’s about what’s actually being sold. On platforms like Amazon, it’s remarkably easy to purchase what’s marketed as an e-bike but is actually a full-fledged electric motorcycle capable of hitting 40-plus miles per hour. California law caps legal e-bike speeds at 28 miles per hour, but that hasn’t stopped vendors from blurring the lines.
The numbers tell a sobering story. According to data from the California Highway Patrol, e-bike accidents surged from 184 annually in 2018 to 3,400 in 2023. That’s not a trend—that’s a crisis. Last month, California’s attorney general issued a statewide alert reminding riders and sellers alike about e-bike regulations. It’s a wake-up call that Tzikas and his fellow rangers are taking seriously, though they prefer education over enforcement at first.
The response has been swift. Last week, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted new ordinance changes giving rangers greater authority to enforce safety regulations, protect sensitive natural areas, and shut down illegal trails and jumps. Violations can now be treated as infractions or misdemeanors, with restitution available for damage to park infrastructure. Even Amazon responded—after KCRA 3 Investigates reached out about illegal e-bikes, the company stopped selling those high-speed models in California within a day.
It’s a delicate balance. E-bikes have opened up outdoor recreation to more people, including those who couldn’t ride traditional bikes due to physical limitations. But safety can’t be a casualty. As Tzikas puts it,“We’re trying to adapt to the times and taking more enforcement.”The 30-mile American River Parkway is supposed to be a shared space for everyone. Keeping it that way means making sure nobody turns it into a personal race track.
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
