Advocacy/Political Policies: Difference between revisions

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==Documents Worth Considering from Other Organizations==
This space will be for the policy itself, once we have one. For discussion/drafting click the "discussion" tab above.


These are NOT position statements drafted or adopted by EBC.


Board members could use the "discussion" tab at the top of this page to jot down their reactions to any of these points.
==Draft Policy Statement on cycling on sidewalks==


===Policy Statements of the Toronto Cyclists Union [http://bikeunion.to/about/position-statements]===
*Purpose: To clarify Bike Edmonton's position to cyclists and members regarding the issue of cycling on sidewalks.


*'''Infrastructure Creation'''
*Philosophy: To ensure that members and all cyclists are courteous and that interactions with pedestrians are as pleasant as possible.


The Toronto Cyclists Union advocates for adequate funding and political support for cycling infrastructure. It should be well designed, well marked, and safe, with the goal of making a complete road system. We want the City of Toronto to encourage new cyclists, not just accommodate existing traffic.
*Statement: Bike Edmonton stands by the current City of Edmonton bylaw* in regards to cycling on sidewalks. We encourage our members and all cyclists with wheels over 50 centimeters in size to use the road when cycling.  


*'''Infrastructure Enforcement'''
*Scope: This statement affects all pedestrians and cyclists.


The Toronto Cyclists Union wants the City of Toronto to enforce existing laws concerning infrastructure, such as ticketing and towing cars that park in the bike lanes. Those vehicles provided with special exemption from the City of Toronto to park in bike lanes, such as public utility vehicles, should use pylons to re-create a safe bicycle lane around them.
*Scope of permissible exceptions: Sometimes cyclists will be forced to use the sidewalk. When and if this occurs we encourage our members and all cyclists to be courteous to other sidewalk users. Dismount and walk your bike. If you continue to ride please cycle at a reduced rate of speed and use audible warnings to let pedestrians know that you are coming.


*'''Infrastructure Maintenance'''


The Toronto Cyclists Union wants the City of Toronto to repair the pavement in the bike lanes, keeping it free of potholes, and repainting the lines when needed. In the winter, the lanes should be kept clear of snow and ice, and in the summer, clear of glass and garbage. The park trails should be opened and maintained all year round.
[[Category:policy]]
 
*'''Cycling on sidewalks'''
 
We believe that cycling on sidewalks puts both pedestrians and cyclists at risk, and urge cyclists to avoid riding on sidewalks.
 
In Toronto, children riding bicycles with a bicycle tire size under 61 cm (24 inches) may ride on the sidewalk. We encourage parents to teach their children safe, respectful and responsible cycling practices.
 
In some situations, the road may be so unsafe that the cyclist's safest option is to ride on the sidewalk. In such a case, we recommend that cyclists:
- reduce speed
- cede right of way to pedestrians
- warn approaching pedestrians
- pass pedestrians and others with the greatest of care and respect
- dismount and walk their bike when conditions warrant it
- return to the road at the earliest safe opportunity to do so
 
*'''Bike Licensing'''
 
We are opposed to the licensing and registration of cyclists on the grounds that it creates a disincentive to cycling, creates unecessary administrative burdens and costs to taxpayers while not providing any discernible benefit. Neither the City of Toronto nor the provincial Ministry of Transportation have supported such a scheme.
 
Cyclists, designated as vehicles under the Highway Traffic Act, are already subject to the same rules and fines for infractions as are motor vehicles. Existing legislation, by-laws, and police powers, if used rigorously and to their full extent, are sufficient to keep active transportation safe. Read more
 
*'''Helmets
'''
We support and encourage the use of helmets by cyclists of all ages, but also recognize an adult’s right to make their own choice.  By law in Ontario, only those 17 years of age or younger are required to wear a helmet while cycling.  We are opposed to making helmet use mandatory for adults.
 
*'''E-bikes / 2-wheeled Electric Scooters
'''
We support electric power-assisted bicycles (as distinct from electric scooters aka: scooter-style e-bikes) as an alternative to larger, less environmentally friendly motor vehicles, especially for people with impaired mobility.
 
We do not believe electric scooters should be permitted to use infrastructure intended for active transportation, as their speed, size and weight make them hazardous to others within those confines.
 
We encourage the City of Toronto and the Province of Ontario to prohibit the use of electric scooters on infrastructure intended for active transportation, such as recreational trails and paths and bike lanes.

Latest revision as of 20:57, 29 May 2023

This space will be for the policy itself, once we have one. For discussion/drafting click the "discussion" tab above.


Draft Policy Statement on cycling on sidewalks

  • Purpose: To clarify Bike Edmonton's position to cyclists and members regarding the issue of cycling on sidewalks.
  • Philosophy: To ensure that members and all cyclists are courteous and that interactions with pedestrians are as pleasant as possible.
  • Statement: Bike Edmonton stands by the current City of Edmonton bylaw* in regards to cycling on sidewalks. We encourage our members and all cyclists with wheels over 50 centimeters in size to use the road when cycling.
  • Scope: This statement affects all pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Scope of permissible exceptions: Sometimes cyclists will be forced to use the sidewalk. When and if this occurs we encourage our members and all cyclists to be courteous to other sidewalk users. Dismount and walk your bike. If you continue to ride please cycle at a reduced rate of speed and use audible warnings to let pedestrians know that you are coming.
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