Understanding Terminology

E-Bikes

Bike Paths

Reading List

Bicycle Infrastructure

Safe bicycle infrastructure is the cornerstone of a bicycle friendly community, promoting ridership with ease of use, sense of safety, and connectivity. There is a lot of terminology surrounding bicycle infrastructure that we hope to help clarify on this page.

 

Types of Bike Paths

In California, bike paths are generally labeled Class 1-4, with each classification having different degrees of separation from vehicular traffic.

• Class I - Off-street paved bikeways, separated from vehicular traffic, but shared with pedestrians.
• Class II - A portion of the road reserved for the preferential or exclusive use of bicycles, indicated by road markings.
• Class III - Roads shared by both vehicular traffic and bicycles, can sometimes be marked or have signage promoting shared use.
• Class IV - Cycle tracks, or protected bikeways that are separated from traffic via parked cars, posts, transit islands, or other physical barriers.

 

E-Bikes

There are currently three different types of E-Bike classifications in California:

• Class 1 - Provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 mph
• Class 2 - Operates via pedal-assist or throttle and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 mph
• Class 3 - Provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of 28 mph

More information on E-Bike classifications can be found on the CalBike Website.
In California State Parks, Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes may be allowed where bicycles are allowed, as long as they are not specifically called out as prohibited. However, it is best to check with the specific park you are visiting to check on their e-bike policy
Laws around E-bikes are constantly changing, however the below chart is current as of 2024.