Local Control Over Wilderness Trails: Allowing Human-Powered Travel.
This bill grants local federal officials the authority to decide which nonmotorized travel methods, including mechanically assisted human-powered transport like bicycles, are allowed on existing trails within designated wilderness areas. If a local official fails to make a decision within two years, all forms of human-powered travel will automatically be permitted on those routes. This change aims to increase access for hikers, cyclists, and other users while giving local managers tools to prevent environmental damage or user conflicts.
Key points
Local land managers (e.g., Forest Service, National Park Service) gain power to permit human-powered travel, including cycling, on specific trails in wilderness areas.
A two-year deadline is set for local officials to make a determination; failure to act results in all nonmotorized travel being automatically allowed on the route.
The law establishes a presumption that human-powered travel is consistent with preserving the wilderness character of the area.
Expired
Additional Information
Print number: 118_S_4561
Sponsor: Sen. Lee, Mike [R-UT]
Process start date: 2024-06-17