Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Ottawa - Electric Bicycles Public consultation

Join [the National Capital Commission] for a public consultation on the proposed new rules regarding the use of electric bikes and other electric-powered vehicles on the pathways and parkways managed by the National Capital Commission (NCC).

Visit the NCC website at canadascapital.gc.ca/electric-bicycle to learn more about the proposed rules and to share your comments (by May 18, 2011).

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

In relation to your public consultations with respect to allowing the use of power-assisted bicycles on bicycle pathways, I would like to register my strong support to this proposal. I suffer from Multiple Sclerosis, which makes it impossible for me to use a conventional bicycle. My power-assisted bicycle is very important to allowing me to enjoy a normal quality of life. Please end the discrimination against those who suffer from physical limitations by rescinding this unjustifiable regulation.

Anonymous said...

I bought an electric bike 5 years ago. I have a health issue that limits the use of my legs so having a bike and being able to do something physical with my husband and friends in the outdoors is fabulous. I do not abuse this and use the electric component only when I become fatigued. I do not speed. I do not behave irresponsibly. I wish the same could be said for the many people who race past me on their bikes at high speed with little regard for whoever may be in their path.
An electric bike is not a scooter so, in my opinion, unlike a scooter should be allowed on the bike paths. I would suggest, that like many cities in Europe, a speed limit be introduced. That way everyone can feel safe and enjoy using bike paths.

Dave Brown said...

In addition to loving cycling, I also own a GIOBike, the scooter-looking, battery-powered bikes the NCC is purposing to ban from its pathways. I am glad they are to be allowed in the bicycle lanes, but you also bring up a good point. If they are "safe enough" to be in a bicycle lane, then I would argue they should be safe enough to travel along the wider-laned canal pathways, and others the NCC oversees. (though, I think you were suggesting to ban them entirely).

Anyways, stealing from Scooterboy, and all his valid points, and adding some of mine, I'd like to sum up the reasons why we battery-powered, non-conventional-bike-looking-scooter-riders feel everybody is safe, or more safe with us also sharing the pathways. We feel we have the right to these paths, and all we request is the same fairness.

1 - considering how fast cyclists can get going on these paths, e-bikes can stop more quickly as we are limited to the maximum speed we can go -- as well, there's an advanced braking system

2 - it is not the size of the vehicle that injures people but rather the impact. A bicycle with a 250lb rider traveling 25km’s/hr will have a higher impact force than a 110lb rider on an ebike traveling the same speed.

3 - the impact of a tandem bike with 2 riders will have a significantly higher impact force and longer braking distances as well. Should we ban these as well as it is clear that these would be significantly more dangerous?

4 - should we ban cyclists towing a trailer with 2 children behind them as well? These are much wider than e-bikes/escooters and have significantly less braking ability than an e-bike/escooter. They take up more room, more width, and are not banned.

5 - an e-bike group will be on the pathways in the coming days with a speed gun proving that the real problems lie with cyclists speeding not ebikers.

6 - e-scooter riders are tax paying individuals who have paid their fair share of taxes to have access to federal pathways.

7 - head is always up, looking straight ahead,

8 - ride is safe, smooth and steady

9 - arriving at place of work or meeting in a non-sweaty mode will attract more commuters, encourage the greening of our city, and save on emissions

10 - saves on parking fees and gas

11 - riders enjoy the scenery in a relaxed state, with lots of time to see and foresee any possible collisions to be easily avoided

12 - GIOBikes are low to the ground, so getting feet down is easy and fast.

The NCC has to change their mind on this….I hope.

Dave Brown
Publisher, Ottawa Outdoors Magazine

chizel said...

i have written a blog regarding advantages of electric bike please do read it --> http://paidcritique.blogspot.com/2011/04/advantages-of-electric-bike.html

electric bike is the best!