E-bike etiquette
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Motorized scooters, e-bikes
and Segways should not be used on Vaughan’s sidewalks, paths and trails
Do you own an
electric scooter? Or ride an e-bike? Get around by moped? As warmer weather arrives,
more and more people are walking on trails, riding on bike paths or scooting
around the community. The City of Vaughan is reminding all riders to be a good
neighbour – specifically, to not ride scooter-style e-bikes and other motorized
micromobility devices on sidewalks, paths and trails.
Micromobility is a general term used to describe lightweight human- or electric-powered modes of travel typically used for shorter trips than cars. These include rollerblades, skateboards, bicycles, e-scooters and limited-speed motorcycles or mopeds.
To keep all pedestrians and cyclists safe, micromobility devices that are motorized – such as e-scooters, e-bikes, Segways, electric skateboards and hoverboards – should not be used on sidewalks, cycle tracks, shared pedestrian and bike paths or recreational trails in the city.
E-bikes may be ridden
on most roads and highways where conventional bikes are permitted, with some
exceptions. E-bikes are not allowed on certain provincially controlled access
highways, such as the 400 series and City sidewalks, paths, trails and lanes.
Micromobility is an emerging trend. City staff are examining additional measures to ensure the safe use of these devices. Public feedback will be sought on this topic. Register to stay informed about opportunities to provide input.
CYCLING SAFETY TIPS AND
ETIQUETTE
A bicycle is considered
a vehicle under the Ontario Highway Traffic
Act (HTA). This means cyclists have the same
rights and responsibilities to obey all traffic laws as other road users. A
cyclist who violates a traffic law can be stopped by a police officer, which
may result in a fine under the HTA. Ontario law requires cyclists to have the
following on their bike:
- white reflective tape on the front forks
- red reflective tape on the rear forks
- a white front light
- a red rear light or reflector
- a working bell or horn
Cyclists are also
required to wear a helmet if under the age of 18 – it’s the law. However, it is
recommended for riders at any age to wear a helmet.
When sharing space with
pedestrians, cyclists must:
- keep to the right.
- pass on the left when safe to do so.
- yield to pedestrians.
- let pedestrians know they are approaching with a friendly greeting or by ringing a bell or horn.
When riding on the
road, cyclists must:
- travel in the same direction as motorists.
- obey traffic lights and stop signs.
- use hand signals to communicate their intentions with motorists and pedestrians.
VAUGHAN’S CYCLING AND
MULTI-USE RECREATIONAL TRAILS NETWORK
Expanding existing active
transportation networks and offering comfortable options for biking and walking
contributes to a healthier environment and helps alleviate traffic congestion. These
active transportation networks also bring the community together, establish
transit connections and get more people moving. The current cycling and multi-use
recreational trails network in Vaughan is growing and consists of the following main
types of cycling facilities:
- Cycle tracks: designated space for cyclists that are separate from pedestrians and motorists. These areas are marked with a bicycle symbol and diamond.
- Bike lanes: designated space for cyclists that are separate from pedestrians, but run along the same road as motorists. These areas are made visible with payment markings.
- Multi-use pathways: shared space for pedestrians and cyclists that are separate from motorists. These areas are within the boulevard along a roadway.
- Multi-use recreational trails: shared space for pedestrians and cyclists found within parks and open spaces.
With a growing network of sidewalks, cycle tracks, bike
lanes, multi-use paths and recreational trails, the City of Vaughan is
proactively taking steps towards advancing active transportation in the
community. With initiatives such as the 2020 Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan
Update, the Vaughan Super Trail, the Clark Avenue bike paths, the Vaughan
Metropolitan Centre (VMC) Cycling Network Plan and much more, the City continues
to expand its transportation network to further promote a full range of options
to get around, including walking, cycling and transit. A comprehensive update
on all of these projects is outlined in Vaughan’s Active Transportation
Annual Report,
which was recently presented to Council.
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