The National Capital Commission has announced the new rules for electric bike use after public consultation. The new rules are as follows :
Capital Pathway
Electric-powered vehicles are prohibited on the pathways, with the exception of powerassisted bicycles that are physically similar to conventional bicycles. To further clarify,
scooter-type power-assisted bicycles (i.e. with a fairing) are prohibited.
Electric-powered bikes are the ones that look much like a moped. I'm glad they have banned these on the pathways. Why? My personal experience is they are always exceeding the 20k speed limit and I have never once heard a bell or signal from the rider/driver. This is quite important as they are almost completely silent. Even a well-maintained bicycle makes some noise as pedals are turned and gears shifted.
Bike lanes
Electric-powered vehicles are prohibited in bike lanes, with the exception of powerassisted bicycles (of any type). To further clarify, scooter-type power-assisted bicycles
(i.e. with a fairing) are permitted.
The N.C.C doesn't have many bike lanes but Island Park Drive would be under their jurisdiction. They are also constructing a bike lane along Wellington Street towards the Portage Bridge.
Sunday Bikedays and Saturday Short Loops programs
Electric-powered vehicles are prohibited on parkways closed to motor vehicles for the
Sunday Bikedays and Saturday Short Loops programs, with the exception of powerassisted bicycles that are physically similar to conventional bicycles. To further clarify,
scooter-type power-assisted bicycles (i.e. with a fairing) are prohibited.
Multi-use trails in Gatineau Park
Electric-powered vehicles are prohibited on natural surface trails intended for hiking and
mountain biking
Exceptions
These rules do not apply to motorized mobility aids (wheelchairs, three-wheel electric
scooters and four-wheel electric scooters).
There you go. I think this was a good decision but it will be interesting to see if the N.C.C actually enforces it. We shall see.
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