Gignac And Windsor Star Uninformed About E-Bikes
Effective October 3, 2009, electric bikes (both those resembling conventional bicycles and those resembling motor scooters)motor scooters) are permanently allowed on roads and highways where conventional bicycles are currently permitted.
To Ride an Electric Bike: They must follow the same rules of the road as set out in the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) that currently apply to cyclists, with some exceptions. The speed limits for Electric bikes are 32km/hr.
In order to operate an e-bike:
- Operators must be 16 years of age or older;
- All operators must wear an approved bicycle or motorcycle helmet at all times.
The ministry has communicated and advised traffic enforcement officers, through the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, on the e-bike regulations and relevant rules of the road under the Highway Traffic Act. All the set fines established for violating rules of the road and equipment standards that apply to bicyclists apply to drivers of e-bikes.
“Councillor Jo-Anne Gignac said “she’s received complaints from unsuspecting citizens out for a leisurely stroll on some of Windsor’s trails, unaware that these silent vehicles are creeping up behind them.”"
I would like to ask what the good councillor will address in regards to the irresponsible actions of persons that block their environment and create hazards by being plugged into ear phones and text messaging or talking on cell phones. The ignorance of the persons that wander into bike lanes and complain that they get hurt is an abomination that should not be entertained.
“Gignac said “The bikes interfered with people who were walking with their children or trying to teach their kids to ride a bike.” In some cases, Gignac said there have been near-misses.
“E-bikes are very quiet when they come up behind people. It startles them … especially people walking their dogs; people with small children. So there’s a concern. I want to see something come back [from staff].”"
It is my opinion that if you are taking issues with Bicycles being on the path, do not teach your child to ride your bike on the path in the first place. You are responsible for yourself and your children to be aware of your surroundings, like crossing the street and watching for cars and other vehicles.
The Ganatchio Trail and other trails and paths throughout the city are mixed trails for the enjoyment of all taxpayers. It is unknown to me if Councillor Jo-Anne Gignac or the editor, has ever ridden an electric bike. It does not appear, from the recent reports in the newspaper and on CBC that they have taken the time to experience this form of transportation or discuss it with reputable Electric bike dealers. As a public servant that freely comments on the topic, it is my humble suggestion that she tries out an electric bike in order to see what the taxpayers riding these bikes face from many of her concerned citizens.
The reluctance of reputable news conveyors to publish or even look at the truth and reality of the issues facing congested roads, environmental issues and the lack of open minded discussion the situations that we are facing currently will surely reach a boiling point.
The issue of insurance is regularly discussed as many electric and non-electric bike owners do not and are unable to obtain or carry insurance. There are some companies that allow you to carry insurance for your electric and non- electric bikes with a rider on your home insurance policies. The matter is simple. Insurance is a form of risk management primarily used to hedge against the risk of a contingent, uncertain loss. If a person does not have insurance and they have injured you, you may, under Canadian law, sue them for damages.
The Ebike Retailers Association of Windsor invites everyone to contact us or a reputable dealer to find out more about Ebikes and the Rights and Responsibilities of the riders.
(For frequently asked questions please visit http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/dandv/vehicle/emerging/e-bike-faq.shtml#a6
Written by: Kimberly Tucker Scoot-a-Long of Windsor
Short URL: http://www.windsorsquare.ca/?p=26417
I absolutely agree with e-bikes in principle, but there does need to be more education and discussion of how best to support them. If used properly, they’re a very economical and environmentally friendly option. However, I know I’m among the many who’ve too often seen riders who alternate between whether they’re acting as cyclists, pedestrians or motor vehicles. One minute someone is riding it on the sidewalk, the next they’re riding down the middle of a major road like they believe themselves to be riding a motorcycle.
I can see the councillor’s concerns with the paths. These paths are presumably about the safest place kids can be taught to ride a bike. The author would tell kids to get off of bike paths intended for cyclists and onto the road to learn how to ride with cars…? That’s a bit of a scary thought and concerns me a bit in that it feels in line with the thinking of a portion of e-bike owners that roads, sidewalks and paths are all meant primarily for themselves without concern for others. There really should be separate trails for all motorized vehiciles.
Hopefully the city can work towards plans to better supports cyclists and e-bikes but it has to be done with consideration for the methods of transportation and recreation that are already widely in use.
I learned to ride a bike in a school yard. That’s where I taught my son how to ride. A public path is not really the place to be learning how to ride a bike.
Secondly, bicycles (e or otherwise) are supposed to be outfitted with a bell or other sounding device. There is personal responsibility that is borne by the cyclist to properly share a multi-use path including warning persons of their approach. But sharing is a two-way street and others should be aware of their surroundings and actively cognizant that other modes of transport could come from any direction. If the councilor is less than confident in her ability to share, then a multi-use path isn’t the place for her.
Maybe the councilor should be listening more to the Bicycling Committee. But that’s not the way of Windsor Council, is it.