A proposal to allow some e-bikes on the Trails at Jakes Rocks is still under federal review.

In the meantime, e-bikes are still prohibited on the trail system.

And based on the timelines associated with the decision-making process, it seems unlikely that e-bikes will be allowed on the TAJR this summer season should the decision go that way.

Forest Service officials released a document back in January outlining the proposal.

According to that scoping document, federal officials acknowledge that they “strive to provide a diverse range of high quality, sustainable recreation opportunities consistent with public demand.”

That document explains the various classes of e-bikes: Class 1 provides “assistance only when the rider pedals” and assistance stops at 20 mph; Class 2 have motors that can be used without pedaling and assistance stops at 20 mph; Class 3 have a motor and provide assistance up to 28 mph

“This emerging technology makes mountain biking more accessible and enjoyable to users with different levels of experience, skill, and physical ability. As a result, public demand for trails that accommodate e-bikes is increasing. Unfortunately, this demand remains unmet on the Allegheny National Forest.”

This proposal would open the TAJR to class 1 e-bikes only.

Bradford District Ranger Rich Hatfield told the Times Observer this week that about 35 comments were received out of that scoping process, which prompted the ANF to put together an environmental analysis.

That’s a required step in some instances as part of the National Environmental Policy Act review process.

Hatfield said that assessment should go out for an additional round of public comment in a couple weeks.

“After the 30-day comment period (est. mid-June to mid-July), we would take a couple weeks to review comment on the analysis and then put the ‘draft’ decision out,” Hatfield explained.

A 45-day objection period would follow “because we have received comment and interest on the proposal,” he added, explaining that officials would need to “resolve” any objections before a final decision could be released.

The Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry was one of several entities that requested the review, according to Jim Decker, WCCBI’s president/CEO.

“The TAJR system continues to attract riders from an increasing distance and we feel strongly that we must ensure that we are diligent in staying in alignment with improved technologies as they emerge so as to remain a desired destination for the mountain biking community,” Decker previously told the Times Observer.

The proposal is under consideration now because a relatively recent change in Forest Service policy established a process for considering these kinds of requests. Other entities joining in the request here include the Warren Cycle Shop, Northern Allegheny Mountain Bike Association, Loud Performance Products, and the Western New York Mountain Bike Association.

“The technology associated with E-Bikes has improved dramatically over the past several years which has allowed for the expansion of Class 1 E-Bikes into both rigid frame and full suspension mountain bike geometries that are needed to navigate systems such as TAJR,” Decker explained. “The pedal assistance available via the E-Bike technology allows riders to expand their ride distances and duration primarily through reducing the fatigue from climbing the hills prevalent throughout the TAJR 35 mile trail system.”