It's time to make Tucson's Loop an ebike tour destination...here's why

[CycloTucson]

The Loop Trail in Tucson - It's true that Pima County does not yet allow ebikes unless ADA-permitted. BUT the connected Loop trail sections in Oro Valley and Marana not only permit ebikes, they encourage them if ridden responsibly - as our Forum members always do! These details are in a new book just out called The Loop-Atlas and Guidebook (Amazon Kindle and paperback). I got one and its full of color maps and lists hundreds of places on or near The Loop to eat, get coffee, a beer, parks, hotels, RV parks, even bike shops.
But most important, I confirmed what the book said about ebikes being OK with both OV and Marana Parks and Rec. Its true that you can ride on the 30 miles of their combined and mostly adjacent sections of The Loop. Those sections are also connected to about 40 miles of additional shared use trail both towns built. It's all connected to the Loop. There's also a great state park Catalina State Park right on the Loop where you can ebike as well. Just to be certain, I also called the PD liasons in both towns and they agreed. They've never issued a ticket for riding an ebike and won't unless you are riding recklessly. Seems fair. I also heard that Pima County may be reviewing their stance on ebikes soon after getting a recommendation to relax the prohibition from a prominent local Bicycle Advisory Group. It would certainly be a step in the right direction. If you think so too, consider posting something on Pima County's Loop feedback comment line.
Finally, a friend sent me this link to an interview from local TV station last week https://bit.ly/3Ivd0s7 Looks like the book is now a #1 New Release on Amazon. Maybe it's finally time to plan that long-overdue return to Tucson this winter.

 

[ArizonaWildBill]

Pima Co needs to take a look at other highly successful MUPslike The Monon Trail in and around Indianapolis. Bigger city...allows e-bikes. Even promotes ebike rentals on their website. Just begin enforcing a speed limit for all...that is real safety...not this perceived fear. Make it a true transportation route, not just for the roadie training (who go much faster than most ebikes.) Let grandma and grandpa on with their ebikes instead of relegating them to be killed on the streets.
Added 05/2022 I was planning on wintering in Tucson but just canceled the reservation as I don't want to use roadways to get aroind on my etrike. Yes I am a recent ebike convert and I have ridden many hundreds of peddling miles on the Loop over the past 15 years. Hope others bypass Tucson for the winter too. Just like spring baseball ..so long.

 

[Scottydog]

Just spent a month in Tucson and clocked 250 miles on the loop. pedal assist e-bikes are legal per tucsonloop.org. Many e-bike rental shops. The safety issue on the loop imo is really the pros training at 28-30+ mph. There was a head on collision between two analog cyclists last year, one died.

I'd skip the Tucson MTB trails, as EVERY plant there wants to put a serious hurtin on you.

Tucson is fantastic in winter, outstanding tex-mex food!