What a proposed NPS rule could mean for bikes, e-bikes in Utah’s national parks

A proposed National Park Service rule could make it easier to expand bicycle and e-bike access in national parks by removing some of the environmental review and rulemaking requirements currently involved in approving new bicycle trails.

Under the proposed regulations, traditional bicycles and e-bikes would be allowed on roads and in parking areas without requiring a separate designation by the park superintendent. E-bikes currently can be allowed where traditional bicycles are permitted, but superintendents must take affirmative action to designate them for use in those locations.

The NPS published the proposed rule Sept. 1, saying it would streamline the process for approving new and expanded bicycle opportunities while maintaining the ability of individual parks to restrict or close areas to bikes when needed to protect visitors or park resources.

The change could be particularly relevant in mountainous parks and recreation areas, where the NPS says e-bikes can make bicycling more accessible to people limited by age, disability, fitness, or challenging terrain.

The agency also argues that bicycle travel can reduce vehicle congestion and parking demand, providing an alternative to driving in national parks.

Fewer environmental reviews for some bike projects

Much of the proposed rule focuses on the process the NPS uses to approve bicycle trails.

Under current rules, adding bicycles to certain park trails can trigger environmental review and multiple opportunities for public comment.

The NPS says those requirements can force the agency to conduct environmental reviews even when a project would otherwise qualify for a categorical exclusion under the National Environmental Policy Act.

The proposed rule would give the NPS the ability to determine when those reviews and formal rulemaking are necessary, and forego them if they are eligible under the rule.

What it could mean for Utah parks

The proposal would apply throughout the National Park System, including Utah’s national parks and monuments, which already have varying rules for bicycle and e-bike use.

Zion National Park offers a look at how the current system works on the ground. Bicycles are allowed on park roads and the Pa’rus Trail, but all other trails are closed to bikes. Only Class 1 e-bikes are permitted, and the park cites concerns about resource damage, trail width and conflicts with pedestrians, vehicles, and shuttle buses in explaining its restrictions.

The proposed rule would not automatically open Zion’s closed trails to bicycles. Instead, it would change the federal process the National Park Service uses when considering new bicycle designations.

Bicycle and e-bike use would remain prohibited in federally designated wilderness areas, and park superintendents would retain authority to impose restrictions, conditions, or closures based on public safety, resource protection, and other management objectives. New or expanded access on certain natural-surface locations could still require Federal Register rulemaking.

Public comment open through November

The NPS is accepting public comments on the proposed rule through 11:59 p.m. Eastern time Nov. 2, 2026.

Comments can be submitted through Regulations.gov by searching for RIN 1024-AE97 or docket NPS-2026-0166.

The NPS says it will consider public comments before deciding whether to finalize the proposal.

For now, the proposal does not change bicycle or e-bike rules at individual national parks. Visitors should continue to check the regulations for the specific park they plan to visit.