E-bike decision stalled in Toronto
The City of Toronto is no closer to allowing e-bikes in bike lanes and on paths in city parks. The public works committee decided to defer a vote on accepting a recommendation presented by city staff, delaying the issue for the foreseeable future.
The recommendation involves a splitting of e-bikes into two classes, and allowing greater access to city cycling infrastructure depending on the kind of e-bike.
Pedelecs, bikes where electric assist is only enjoyed while already pedaling, would see full access to all bike lanes and paths within the city. E-scooters, characterized by larger size and the ability to move by electric power alone, would be barred from separated bike lanes and bike paths, but would be allowed in painted bike lanes.
When the controversial report was made to the public works committee, advocacy group Cycle Toronto praised the distinction between the two types of e-bikes, but expressed concern over the recommendation to allow the e-scooters into bike lanes.
Those opposed to the recommendation of additional access to e-scooters cite the bigger weight and higher speeds as representing a larger risk to riders of conventional bikes. This view was championed at the committee by Councillor Mike Layton.
Thx @m_layton @Janet_Davis @CouncillorMB @Mark_Grimes for keeping e-scooters out of bike lanes until after prov reviews ebike defn #biketo
— Cycle Toronto (@CycleToronto) January 9, 2014
Instead, the decision has been deferred until provincial authorities review the proposed new classifications of peddles and e-scooters.
