BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) Electric-assisted bikes are being welcomed on Bellingham’s premier mountain biking mecca.

The Bellingham City Council voted unanimously to amend the easement for recreational use of Galbraith Mountain to allow the bikes on its trails.

Only Class 1 electric-assisted bikes will be allowed on the mountain.

Councilmember Lisa Anderson said at a meeting on Monday, Feb. 26 that means the bike’s electric motor will only help the riders who will still have to pedal.

“We’re not going to be seeing dirt bikes and such up on Galbraith Mountain,” said Anderson. “You’re going to be able to see older people like me be able to use their E-bike to get up where perhaps there might be limitations otherwise.”

The bikes will also be limited to a top assisted speed of 20 miles per hour.

Another amendment will increase overall length of trails on the mountain from 65 to 85 miles.

The City of Bellingham Parks and Recreation Department manages an easement that allows recreation on Galbraith, which is privately owned.