Inconsistent side-by-side cycling laws remain in Warterloo
Riding two abreast will be allowed on regional roads but not on all local roads
A redundant bylaw prohibiting cyclists from riding two abreast on regional roads in Waterloo has been lifted. Regional staff had recommended continuing the ban on cyclists riding side-by-side but the council voted 12-3 to do away with the law. However, inconsistencies remain with cyclists being permitted to ride two abreast on all roads in five of seven local municipalities. However in the municipalities of Woolwich and Wellesley riding side-by-side will continue to be prohibited on local roads but allowed on regional ones. If the goal was to align the rules with the provincial highway safety act to make it uniform across the region, the result leaves much to be desired.
The Record is reporting that members of the public and some politicians objected to permitting cyclists to travel two abreast due to safety concerns resulting in the three levels of government being unable to align the rules on all roads.
Cyclists riding two abreast are still required by law to ride single file and move to the right side of the road when faster traffic is approaching from behind.
Regional councilor Jane Mitchell told CBC that in the entire time the regional bylaw was in effect, no cyclist had ever been charged with breaking it.
“So basically if you have something in a bylaw that the police never enforce, you never have an accident, and it’s looked after by another level of government, why would you have it there? It’s just redundant,” Mitchell said.
Graham Roe a cycling advocate and co-owner of the Berlin Bicycle Café in Kitchener told CTV, “Cycling two abreast makes cyclists more visible. It also really defines that that motorist has to do a proper lane change to pass the cyclist,” he said. “What the motorist needs to do is treat the cyclist as another vehicle. They need to make sure there’s enough room to pass.”
The new bylaw removing the ban on side-by-side cycling takes effect in January with a vote to confirm the new arrangement scheduled for June 1. If the two townships fail to change their regulations, you will have to continue to check
