As more e-bikes hit Saskatoon's trails, city administration taking 'close look' at regulations

Officials with the Meewasin Valley Authorityare in conversation with the City of Saskatoon to discuss where electric bicycles fit into the city's trailsystems.

Equipped with both pedals and an electric motor, "power assisted" bikes, or e-bikes, are becoming more popular across the country. Officials with the MVA sayas more end up on Saskatoon's trail system, it's importantto be able to legislate and manage the motorized vehicles.

Alan Otterbein, the manager of design and development with the authority, said while ithasn't received complaints about e-bikes, the MVAregularly receives complaints from people who experience poor trail etiquette cyclists passing pedestrians too close while travelling too fast, for example.

"As these [e-bikes] become more popular, it could bring up even more issues or concerns," he said. "And given electric vehicles could be going faster, there are different aspects of it that could be challenging for people out there on the trails."

He said the Meewasin Valley Authority has already been in conversation with the City of Saskatoon about amendments to the city's bicycle bylaw to include e-bikes. Currently, the vehicles are not regulated under municipal bylaws.

Danae Balogun, the City of Saskatoon's active transportation program manager, said a report on the bike bylaw is expected to be presented to city council this year, noting administration is taking "a close look at e-bikes, especially as they get more and more popular."

She said it's likely the city's bylaw will follow regulations provided by Transport Canada and the province. This includes rules that prohibit riders under the age of 14 and restrictions to ensure a bike's continuous power output rating is 500 watts or less.

The city's bylaw may also include restrictions that prohibit a bike from providing further power assistance when the bicycle attains a speed of 32 km/h on ground level.

Cathy Watts, co-chair of the advocacy group Saskatoon Cycles,said she feels more education and awareness about trail etiquette is needed.She expects more cyclists overall, including those on e-bikes, will be turning to the MVA trails with the removal of some of the city's bike lanes.

She said while more infrastructure on the trails would be ideal, it's important for cyclists, whether on e-bikes or regular bikes, to be courteous and aware of proper trail engagement.

"If you have education and people understand they need to be respectful of each other, then they're going to slow down when the trail gets really, really narrow."

Stan Yu, a cycling advocate and regular cyclist in Saskatoon, agreed. He said while more bikes and a diversity of vehicles on the valley authority's trails may mean more opportunities for collisions and conflict, users can continue on in harmony if everyone is on the same page.

"This will ensure a harmonious kind of interaction so that everyone can get to where they need to go safely, regardless of what mode of transportation they are using."