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Electric Bike Pilot To Give Ontarians
An Environmentally-Friendly Transportation Option
>>
TORONTO, Oct. 4 /CNW/ - The McGuinty government is testing a clean,
healthy transportation alternative with the launch of a pilot allowing the use
of e-bikes on Ontario roads, Transportation Minister Donna Cansfield announced
today.
"Ontarians are looking for healthy, environmentally sensitive ways to get
around," said Cansfield. "E-bikes are an easy-to-use transportation choice
that reduce emissions and help cut traffic congestion."
An e-bike can be pedaled like a bicycle or can be powered with an
electric motor to a maximum speed of 32 kilometres an hour. Until now e-bikes
were not permitted on Ontario roads.
The Ministry is conducting a pilot test to ensure that e-bikes can safely
share the road with other traffic and pedestrians. For the next three years,
e-bikes will be permitted on all roads where conventional bicycles are
currently allowed. Riders must be at least 16 years of age and they must wear
a bicycle helmet while riding.
"Emissions from cars, trucks and buses contribute greatly to the quality
of air we breathe. With e-bikes, more Ontarians can connect to the outdoors in
an environmentally-friendly way," said Minister of the Environment Laurel
Broten.
"Many people who would like to commute by bicycle are concerned about
their ability to tackle hills and long distances. Electric assist bicycles
allow more people to ride more often. We applaud the government for allowing
this option," added Juergen Weichert, spokesperson for the Electric Vehicle
Council of Ottawa.
"Ontario has the safest roads in North America and the McGuinty
government is committed to building on that record," added Cansfield. "The
McGuinty government recognizes the importance of having a sustainable
transportation system that will support the needs of today while protecting
our natural environment for the future. E-bikes encourage people to leave
their cars at home. Ontarians now have more mobility choices that are
environmentally friendly, and this government encourages the safe use of these
vehicles."
Disponible en français
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www.mto.gov.on.ca
Backgrounder
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ELECTRIC BICYCLES (E-BIKES)
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An e-bike looks and operates like a bicycle with an electric motor that
provides additional assistance. The rider can pedal normally and just use the
motor to help out on hills or against winds, or use the motor all the time
just to make riding easier.
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An e-bike is a vehicle that:
- Has steering handlebars and is equipped with pedals
- Is designed to be propelled primarily by muscular power and to travel
on two or three wheels
- Has an electric motor with a maximum power of 500 watts and a maximum
speed of 32 km/h
- Bears a label that is permanently affixed by the manufacturer in a
conspicuous location stating, in French and English, that the vehicle
is a power-assisted bicycle and meets federal Motor Vehicle Safety
regulations.
>>
E-bikes can cost between $600 to $1,500.
There are many benefits to choosing e-bikes for transportation, including
the health benefits from exercise, freedom from traffic congestion, free
parking, energy efficiency and zero emissions.
E-bike Use In Ontario
E-bikes are an environmentally friendly, energy-efficient transportation
option now available to Ontarians 16 years of age and older through a
three-year pilot project. This pilot will help ensure e-bikes can integrate
safely with other road users, such as larger vehicles and pedestrians. Until
now e-bikes were not permitted on Ontario roads.
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Under this pilot:
- E-bikes are allowed on all Ontario roads where conventional bicycles
are allowed. This means that e-bikes are not permitted on 400-series
highways, the Queen Elizabeth Way, the Queensway in Ottawa or the
Kitchener-Waterloo Expressway, and other provincial highways where
bicycles are not permitted.
- E-bike owners are free of licence, registration, and insurance
requirements.
- All riders must wear a helmet.
- E-bikes will require the same safety equipment as bicycles, including
proper lights, brakes, and bell.
- Only e-bikes labelled as a "power-assisted bicycle" are eligible for
the pilot.
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Traffic laws that apply to bicycles and bicyclists would also apply to
e-bikes and their riders. The set fine for most traffic or bicycle offences
(e.g., not stopping at a red light, not having a bell) is $85. Riding an
e-bike under the age of 16 or riding an e-bike without a helmet would be
subject to the higher fines set for pilot projects ranging from $250 to
$2,500.
Electric bicycles would be subject to the same municipal by-laws to which
bicycles are subject (e.g., e-bikes would not be able to travel on sidewalks
and roads where bicycles are prohibited by by-law; may travel on bike paths
and park trails where by-laws permit bicycles).
The e-bikes pilot is the latest example of the McGuinty government's
commitment to build a modern, efficient infrastructure and reduce congestion
on Ontario's roads. Other initiatives include:
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- Introducing legislation to create a Greater Toronto Transportation
Authority (GTTA) to develop seamless and integrated transit in the
GTA and Hamilton
- Opening the first provincial High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes on
Highways 403 and 404 in December 2005 so commuters and transit users
will spend less time in traffic
- Investing $1.2 billion through Move Ontario to improve public transit
systems, municipal roads, and bridges across Ontario
- Providing new streetcars, buses and routes by delivering over
$1.4 billion in gas tax revenues for transit across Ontario, as part
of the ReNew Ontario infrastructure plan
- Dedicating $838 million through Move Ontario to support the expansion
of public transit services in the GTA.
Contact: Bob Nichols Ministry of Transportation 416-327-1158
Disponible en français
www.mto.gov.on.ca
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For further information: Neal Kelly, Minister's Office, (416) 327-9134; Bob Nichols, Communications Branch, (416) 327-1158; Public Inquiries: (416) 235-4686, (GTA) 1-800-268-4686 toll free, 1-866-471-8929 TTY
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