Share the Path - Traffic Safety

Q: What is the difference between a shared path, and a sidewalk?

A: There is a difference between a shared path and a city sidewalk.

• “shared path” means a cycle path or track, a foot path or trail, or some other kind of path, generally wider and often made of asphalt, that may be used by some or all of the following persons at the same time – (a) cyclists; (b) pedestrians; (c) riders of mobility devices; and (d) riders of wheeled recreational devices;
• “sidewalk” means the portion of a street intended primarily for use by pedestrians, generally paved with concrete and separated from the street by a curb or boulevard and does not include a shared path;

Q: What rules do I have to follow to operate a wheeled device on the shared path?

A: Anyone operating a wheeled device on the shared path will need to follow these nine rules:

1. Yield right of way to pedestrians;
2. Be equipped with a horn or bell with which to warn others when approaching from behind and prior to passing;
3. Move off the shared path when stopped;
4. Keep to the left when passing;
5. Keep to the right except when passing;
6. Comply with all traffic signs;
7. Travel at a reasonable rate of speed given the conditions of the area an operator is riding in;
8. Avoid stunting.
9. Don't carry a load that obstructs your vision or hampers the safe operation of your device.
   
   

Q: What is an E-scooter ?

A: an “e-scooter” means a motor vehicle that is not a wheeled recreational device, and which falls within the definition of an “electric kick scooter” as defined in The Limited Speed Motor Vehicle Regulations. For greater certainty, an e-scooter, has:

• up to four wheels (430 mm in diameter or less and one wheel at the front in line with one wheel at the back or two wheels at the front, in line with two wheels at the back),
• a platform to stand on,
• a handlebar for steering,
• one or more electric motors 500 W or less,
• a maximum speed of 24 km/h on a level surface,
• a weight of 45 kg or less (including the motor and batteries),
• brakes that can bring it to a stop within 9 m of applying the brakes at full speed, and
• no seat or surface that could be used as a seat, pedals or any structures enclosing it.

Q: What is a power assisted bicycle ?

A: a “power-assisted bicycle” means a power-assisted bicycle that has pedals, is capable of being propelled by muscular power, and has an electronic motor which has a maximum power output of 500 watts;

Q: What rules do I have to follow if I want to ride my e-scooter or power assisted bicycle on city roads?

A: E-scooters and power assisted bicycles are permitted on municipal streets in the city subject to the regulations of The Limited Speed Motor Vehicle Regulations, 2022 and other regulations listed below. To clarify, these regulations include the following:

1. May be operated only on roads with a speed limit of 40 km/hr or less;
2. Max speed for operation is 24 km/hour;
3. Operators must be at least 16 years of age;
4. Operators are required to wear helmets regardless of age;
5. All operators must follow the rules of the road, ride to the right except when passing, comply with all traffic signs;
6. Impaired operation is strictly prohibited;
7. Operation is permitted on shared paths as along as the rules are followed.

Q: What rules do I have to follow to operate my e-scooter or power assisted bicycle on the shared path?

A: Anyone operating a device on the shared path will need to follow these nine rules:

1. Yield right of way to pedestrians;
2. Be equipped with a horn or bell with which to warn others when approaching from behind and prior to passing;
3. Move off the shared path when stopped;
4. Keep to the left when passing;
5. Keep to the right except when passing;
6. Comply with all traffic signs;
7. Travel at a reasonable rate of speed given the conditions of the area an operator is riding in;
8. Avoid stunting.
9. Don't carry a load that obstructs your vision or hampers the safe operation of your device.

Q: Besides e-scooters and power assist bicycles, what different types of wheeled devices are there and where are they allowed?

• An "all terrain vehicle" means a self-propelled vehicle as defined in The All Terrain Vehicles Act.
  • These are prohibited from being operated within city limits under our" Traffic Bylaw. The following are the only exceptions to that rule:
    • On private property only if permission has been granted in advance by the city. 
    • Use by the City as a public service vehicle. 
    • Use by emergency services (i.e. RCMP, EMS, Fire Department, etc.) in execution of their duties. 
    • Contractors solely for the purpose of snow removal 
    • For use in a parade where a Temporary Street Use permit has been granted
• A "bicycle" and a power assist bicycle means any muscular propelled, chain-driven wheeled device in, on, or by which a person is or may be transported or drawn;
  • Bicycles are allowed on city roads and shared paths (under 14 must wear a helmet at all times).
  • Users must follow the rules of the road and obey all traffic signs.
  •  Bicycles are NOT permitted on city sidewalks.
• A “golf cart” is not able to be driven on any municipal roadway. They are also not permitted on sidewalks or shared paths.
• A "snowmobile" is as defined in The Snowmobile Act and The Traffic Safety Act.
  • You may operate a snowmobile within city limits on any public road except Provincial Highways #4 and #55, subject to the following rules: 
    • Snowmobiles MUST be registered in order to be operated in the city. 
    • Monday to Saturday inclusive only between the hours of 7:00 am and 11:00 pm 
    • Sundays between 9:00 am and 11:00 pm
    • You may operate it on the portion of Provincial Highway #4 for the purpose of crossing the Provincial Highway, at the intersection of Ninth Avenue West and Highway #4. Before crossing Provincial Highway #4, all snowmobile operators shall yield the right of way to vehicles on Highway #4.
• A “micro-mobility device” means a pocket bike, motorized skateboard, and electric hover board and other similar devices and excludes an e-scooter;
  •  Micro-mobility devices are allowed on city roads and shared paths.
  • Users must follow the rules of the road and obey all traffic signs.
  • These devices are permitted on city sidewalks, and users should always be courteous of others, yielding right of way to pedestrians, pass on the left, warn when passing, etc.
• A “mobility device” means a device that is designed and made, not adapted, for use by people who require mobility assistance due to a physical or neurological impairment and is powered solely by a motor that has a maximum power output of 1500W;
  • These devices are allowed on roads, sidewalks and shared paths;
    

• A “wheeled recreational device” means devices which are generally propelled by human power and are used for recreation or play. They include rollerblades, roller skates, skateboards, foot scooters. A foot scooter with a small electric motor (200 watts or under) that has a maximum speed of 10km/hr or less is also a wheeled recreational device;
  
  • These devices are allowed on city roads, sidewalks and shared paths.
  • Users must follow the rules of the road and obey all traffic signs.
  • Users should always be courteous of others, yielding right of way to pedestrians, pass on the left, warn when passing, etc.
    

• A “wheeled toy” is a child's pedal car, scooter, tricycle, or similar toy used by a child under 12;
  • These devices are allowed on roads, sidewalks and shared paths.

Q: Is a wheelchair a "wheeled device" or "mobility device"?

A. A person in a wheelchair is considered a pedestrian under our Traffic Bylaw.