Pre-Ride Orientation

Welcome to the Gorge Rides E-Bike Library! Our goal is to help you discover how enjoyable, practical, and convenient an e-bike can be for everyday transportation. Before signing your waiver, please review the following information.

Watch the safety video

Know the rules

Ride with traffic

• On two-way streets, ride on the right side of the roadway.
• On one-way streets, ride on either side in the direction of traffic.
• On Dock Grade Road, use the left-side bike lane.
• On Tohomish Street, you may ride on the left side of the street.

Sidewalks & crosswalks

• Ride at walking speed and always yield to people walking.
• If a situation feels uncomfortable, simply walk your bike.

Stop signs

• Washington's "Stop as Yield" law allows people biking to treat stop signs as yield signs.
• Slow to a reasonable speed, be prepared to stop, and yield to anyone already in or approaching the intersection.

Ride together

• Ride no more than two abreast.

Lights

• Use your front and rear lights before dawn, after dusk, or whenever visibility is reduced.

Hand signals

• Signal your turns with your arm before turning or changing lanes.

Ride comfortably

Choose comfortable routes

• Use the route map below — green routes are the most comfortable, yellow are moderate, and orange is high-stress.

Tap the map to open it full size — it's also emailed to you with your reservation.

Control your speed

• Brake with both brakes together using a smooth, gentle squeeze.
• Ride only as fast as feels comfortable.

Dress for riding

• Dress for the weather.
• Secure loose clothing and wide pant legs so they cannot become caught in the chain or wheels.

Charge safely

• Charge your e-bike after use in a shaded or covered location using the supplied charger.
• Charge your e-bike battery by plugging it directly into the wall outlet. Never use power strips or extension cords to charge your e-bike battery.
• Keep the battery out of direct sunlight — park and charge in the shade, and never leave the battery baking in a hot car or window.

Extend your range

• Shift gears first, then add pedal assist as needed.
• Use the lowest assist level that's comfortable for the terrain.
• Avoid relying on the throttle or riding in the highest assist level unless necessary — they drain the battery the fastest.

Ride safely & courteously

• Ride in a straight, predictable line unless avoiding a hazard.
• Use your bell before passing people walking or biking.
• Pass other bicyclists on the left when it is safe to do so.
• When there is no bike lane or shoulder, ride in the center of the travel lane so you are visible.
• Leave space from parked cars to avoid being struck by an opening door.
• If you're ever unsure or uncomfortable, slow down or walk your bike. There is no shame in choosing the safest option.

Protect your e-bike

Lock it

• Always use the provided accordion lock to secure the frame to a fixed, immovable object.

Store it

• Bring the e-bike inside a garage or secure building overnight. If you do not have a secure indoor place to store the e-bike overnight, please reach out to us to discuss possible solutions.
• Protect the bike from rain and prolonged exposure to the weather.

What happens at pickup

Plan about 30 minutes. Together with our staff you'll: go through this orientation, do a short supervised test ride (helmet fit, brakes, a lap with and without assist), take a quick 10-question safety quiz (80% to pass — it covers exactly what's on this page, and you can retake it), and sign the Participant User Agreement. Then you're rolling.

Have fun!

Confidence comes one ride at a time. Start with quiet streets, use the route map to find comfortable connections, and remember — you don't have to ride through every situation. Walking your bike is always a smart choice.

Ride with comfort, courtesy and confidence. Experience the joy and convenience.

Questions? Call (971) 754-4392 any time between 8am and 5pm.