Iron Horse Trail - Electric Motorcycle Speedway

The Iron Horse Trail is one of Danville’s most beloved community spaces—a peaceful corridor where families, children, seniors, joggers, cyclists, and dog walkers come together to enjoy the outdoors. But this treasured regional asset is becoming dangerously unsafe.

Danville Iron Horse Trail Bicycle-Vehicle Collision Map 

Local Middle School Near the Iron Horse TrailThe Iron Horse Trail has effectively become a Race-Track for kids riding Class 2 Throttle-Assisted Electric Motorcycles, known as E-Motos—vehicles they are neither trained nor legally permitted to operate. What was once a quiet refuge for recreation has been transformed into a high-speed danger zone. Iron Horse Trail Speedway Map (PDF)

The trail was never designed for unlicensed children operating powerful throttle-controlled vehicles. The misuse endangers everyone—especially the most vulnerable trail users. Improving Safety on the Iron Horse Trail

Children—some as young as 12 years old—are riding Class 2 throttle-assisted electric motorcycles, or “E-Motos,” at reckless speeds of 30+ miles per hour on this mixed-use narrow trail. These machines often weigh nearly 100 pounds, require no pedaling, and pose serious risks to all who use the trail. 

Let's be clear - These are not bicycles. They are electric motorcycles—many of which exceed the legal limits for Class 2 e-bikes and require DMV registration, insurance, and a valid driver’s license. None of these legal requirements are being met by the underage riders using them today.

A Trail Under Siege

Each year, near-miss "E-Moto" and actually "E-Moto" collisions are reported by pedestrians, cyclists and dog walkers forced to dodge oncoming E-Motos. Riders frequently travel in packs, occupying the entire trail width, weaving unpredictably, and even playing “chicken” with pedestrians.

On May 18, 2026 a female riding a bicycle was seriously injured when she was hit by a "Cy-Crum III Electric Bike." She was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

On June 3, 2025, Katia Ekaterina was struck by a middle school-aged boy operating a throttle-assisted electric motorcycle (“E-Moto”) while distracted by his phone. He was part of a group of eight middle schoolers riding E-Motos at high speed, taking up the entire width of the trail. Katia sustained injuries in the collision and was transported to John Muir Hospital for treatment. Read Katia Statement - Hit by a "E-Moto" on the Iron Horse Trial (PDF)

It’s not a question of if a serious collision will happen—it’s a question of when. And the consequences will be severe: life-altering injuries, or worse.