Columbia

I'm a regular walker in the Columbia to Rocheport area. I have noticed recently use of electronic collars for dogs and electric powered bicycles on the trail. Any comment whether either are legal uses?

Both are legal if used for their intended purposes; however, modifying an electric bike to go above 20 mph is not legal and is considered a threat to the powers in control of our fossil fuel dependence.

Like wise with electric dog collars - fine to curb dogs; however, generally frowned upon if used on humans to control social interactions - no matter how offensive.

There's an old saying about hearing something "Straight from the horses mouth" If you really want to know, contact the DNR and I would be willing to bet THEY can give you an accurate, correct answer as to what uses are legal on the trail.

If electronic dog collars are used to prevent negative behaviour in dogs then how can we argue with that? I could also get an electronic dog behaviour modifier in the way of a stun gun but it would be for dogs that needed stunning to prevent me from being bitten. Anyone who spends the money for an electronic dog collar should be looked on as someone who is trying to use the trail and keep the dog contained. Remember that we can counter a dog collar with a stun gun and keep ankle biters very much in their place if we wish to spend the money. I think that with the dog collar issue you are looking for trouble where none exists.

As far as these electric bicycles are concerned....another gray area that is going to have to be defined. We already have under 50CC scooters being excused from motorcycle regulations even though some of them can go up to 40MPH on the street. My opinion is that if the steed is a true bicycle with an electric helper motor on it then it should be allowed. Electric is quiet and has a very limited range with the batteries that can be carried on a true bike frame. I think that I would have no problem with electric assist motors but not fossil fuel motors of any kind. I would be more concerned with the speed of those things than the existance of them. Perhaps an electric assist only in conjuction with a handicap tag so that less fortunate people can use our trail too?

Thanks for all the comments on these two topics.
Anyone else care to weigh in?

When I started cycling for exercise and transportation, I studied the laws involving two wheel non-motorized travel for MO. Oddly enough, anything less than a 90cc engine qualifies in the category of "bicycle". So ultimately, the only direct legal requirements placed on operation of them involve some basic equipment safety inspection issues.

I should say that ANYTHING can go 40mph on the street in the right conditions. I know I've been at least that on my rides on city/state road ways. I even know of a person who picked up a speeding ticket using a bicycle on a city street. It can happen.

That said, the ultimate issue with this as regards bicycles involve the park regulations more than any operational regulations. That said, the Katy DNR page says "All motorized equipment is prohibited except official and emergency vehicles. Electrically assisted pedal-powered bicycles and tricycles (maximum speed of 20 mph) as well as electrically powered-mobility devices for persons with disabilities such as motorized wheelchairs and scooters are allowed."

For the dog issue, the same page says that "all pets must be leashed.", which means the electronic dog collars are probably out.

I realize I should clarify. Any cyclist on public roadways are always subject to the moving laws in effect for the jurisdiction you are in. I was talking about operational things like inspections, licensure, and so on.