Should E-bikes be banned from city trails and walkways?

17 Comments

  • cheri - 12 years ago

    My son has epilepsy and can not drive a car. He is 21 years old has no other way to get around other then a bus which does not work out with his work schedule and where we live unfortunately. He has become happier thanks to this bike because he no longer needs to depend on us to drive him all the time or his grandfather because we have to work nights. I don't worry about him as much because it is law for him to wear a helmet. He is respectful to others on the side walk and I hope he can still be safe and you reconsider this by law. I feel that if he needs to ride this on the road that he would have a greater possibility of being hit or worse killed if he were to have a seizure. If there were bike paths all over the city I could understand but that is not the case here. All labour codes that have been passed are due to safety and usually happen because of a fatal accident, just remember that as the city of Windsor you have a responsibly to look at the whole picture don't wear blinders that could cause a death. I hope you look at my letter and see there are circumstances that could endanger others lives and take it seriously. One last question I must pose; if it was your son what would you want for him side walk or a road that could be dangerous for hi? Think of your children when they were little would you let them drive on the road or on the side walk. I don't know when or where he might have a seizure but I will always think of his safety because that's what parents do no matter how old they are! I feel. that you will be endangering his life. Put paths first then pass the by law.
    Concerned mother!

  • Scott - 12 years ago

    Anything under 25 kg, that does under 35 kmph, is an e-bike. Anything above is an electric scooter, and should only be allowed on the road. The vehicle pictured in the article above is an electric scooter/moped, not an e-bike.

    You would not be able to distinguish my e-bike, from a normal bicycle, if you happen to see me on a trail.

  • Dirk - 12 years ago

    A vote doesn't do justice, because most of the people haven't even got a clue and therefore shouldn't be allowed voting. What actually is the difference between a bicycle and a power assisted bicycle. It all comes down to the drivers attitude and not the vehicle. When I ride my scooter style eBike, I drive responsible, slow down approaching pedestrians or other fellow bike riders. I just enjoy the freedom. On the road are just too many life threatening situations, that's why bicycles and power assisted bicycles belong on the same path. Let's be human and respect each-other and lets share the path as partners. I look out for you and please look also out for me.

  • Lara - 12 years ago

    I definately think that city trails and walkways are exactly where the e-bikes need to be! I am so sick of these ebikes on the roads! Last week a woman was making a left hand turn at ellis and ouellette and decided to be waiting on the WRONG side of the street to make her turn. As the light changed and I approached her, she cursed at me for honking! So often these ebikes are not doing the speed limit and do not ride close enough to the curb. At least when bicycles are on the road, they are far enough over that they do not cause much congestion and they seem to know what side of the street to drive on! I also do not believe that a motorized vehicle should be allowed on the road without having to pay all the licensing fees and insurance that other drivers do!

  • Terry Lalonde - 12 years ago

    When the ebikes first arrived in the Windsor area, I was one of the first to own one. It was understood that I could ride on bike sharing paths but not on SIDEWALKS. While riding on these paths I always gave pedestrians right of way. I was constantly being bother by police about riding on the paths and even though I had paper work from the Ministry to back me up it made no difference so i went to the media for help and it helped. Today I see ebikes all over the place and as is the case with life in general, there are some who make the rest of us look bad. I actually witnessed a woman riding on a sidewalk beeping her horn to get pedestrians to move out of her way. I voted YES to have them banned. I'm okay with riding on the road.

  • Vic - 12 years ago

    I'm tired of dodging those stupid things while walking my dog or with my kids. Sidewalk says "walk" right in it.Same as regular bikes on sidewalks you wanna ride go in the street like everyone else. I pay ridiculous insurance rates to ride my Harley for 6months a year.I don't ride on trails or paths with it. I wear a helmet and obey the laws. I don't park my motorcycle infront of mall or shopping center doors but E-bikes do. If it has a motor put it on the road if you are too scared to ride with the traffic take a bus or walk.

  • Does it really matter - 12 years ago

    The other day I was walking
    My dog and one passed me at first I was like wtf , then I stopped and thought about it this is some ones way of getting around !!!! Why are we gonna ban it? Our cars are way worse for every one and these old busses they drive around ever worse soo stop ur crying about this lil dumb situation and ask ur self why students pay soo much for there loans to go to school ??? Stop wasting your time on e bikes, there actually one good thing we got going , and no don't change the rules if u can't afford insurance and need to get around this is for you !!!

  • Katie - 12 years ago

    The ignorance and self importance of some of the posters that I have seen lately is overwhelming. People have not taken time to find out facts but rely on innuendo and misinformation that is being spread by the same. Ebikes are federally regulated, provinically regulated and municipally regulated. There are rules to be follwed and obeyed. If you don't like ebikes, don't get one. People ride for many reasons. The enforcement of the current laws will take care of many of the problems, for both combustion and electric vehicles. There are just as many lawbreakers and dangerous drivers in cars and trucks as there are bikers and walkers. Take some time and give some respoect. You will find that you get it in return.

  • fcaruana - 12 years ago

    ebikes should not only be banned from city trails, walkways and sidewalks, they should also be required to have license plates and park in legal parking spaces and not anywhere people please. These are not bicycles. they are "motorized" bikes and should be treated as such.

  • tj - 12 years ago

    E-bikes are loud on the peaceful riverfront trails. I have almost been hit by a couple that come zooming by you without warning. E-bikes should not be in cities that have a lot of traffic. They started in countries that have narrower streets and alleys to go through. If people want to be on the walkways and sidewalks then they should get a bike, it is a lot healthier for you too. If you like the speed and not using your legs then go get a motorcycle license and learn how to respect the rules of the road. An E-bike is not a bicycle, it is motorized! Follow the law.

  • KevinM - 12 years ago

    No insurance, No licensing, No rules of the road... It is not a bike ! No way what so ever, it is a electric scooter, if you want it a bike than start using the pedals ! Out law them, ban them, start making them part of drivers ed. And have them registered $$$

  • Richard McIntyre - 12 years ago

    E-bikes are moterized, therefore they should be treated equaliy with all other moterized vehcles, drivers licence, insuranc, and follow all rule of the road.

  • billy lemire - 12 years ago

    whats next golf carts ..............................

  • "G" - 12 years ago

    The bike trails are about getting out, exercising and enjoying Windsors waterfront. E-bikes are for getting from point A to point B.

  • Paul Drouillard - 12 years ago

    As a proud owner of an E-Bike I can tell you that as long as we respect pedestrians and slow down, we should - like bicycles - be able to "share" the pathways. If you take an E-Bike for a ride down any street in the city chances are you will be forced off the road by a driver who sees our lives as worthless. E-Bikes are here to stay and the public needs to start accepting us. I for one feel our lives are worth a few seconds of patience from any driver. And remember we're just trying to get around too. We don't set out in the morning and look for you just to slow you down. You car owners are the same human beings as we are and so we deserve the same respect as we give you. Now in your defence, I see many E-Bike riders ignoring the laws and moral rules of the road. Ride the sidewalks ONLY when necessary for safety and when on shared pathways act accordingly - with respect for your fellow humans. And especially when on the streets, know and obey all traffic laws. I know I do. But unfortunately to the drivers and most pedestrians we are all one in the same. A nuisance. Remember folks we live in a world where you get what you give. There is still enough room for everyone, even us lowly E-Bike owners. PEACE!!!

  • sandra bolyantu - 12 years ago

    i believe as long as it is wide enough for everyone, the problem i see is most streets are not wide enough and if it is busy i have to go around them which means i have to stop and wait for traffic in the next lane

  • Jim McDowall - 12 years ago

    They are a bicycle just like any other bicycle! Owners have the same rights and responsibilities as any other bicycle owner/user.

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