A new bylaw change is hitting Grande Prairie parks to regulate electric scooters and bikes after a “number” of calls reporting dangerous riding habits among trail users.
The bylaw allows and regulates the use of “wheeled conveyances,” including e-bikes, e-scooters, and other mobility aides, in parklands throughout the city.
City councillor Mike O’Connor describes the change as “putting some teeth” in the bylaw, giving enforcement services additional options they might not otherwise have.
“I’ve received a number of calls from people almost getting run over, people passing on both sides, not announcing when they’re coming,” he says. “I think it’s important that people stay to the right but follow the rules and now we have the tools to be able to monitor that and be able to respond in an appropriate manner.”
O’Connor says the decision is a prudent one as the use of electric scooters and bikes becomes increasingly popular. He says the bylaw will serve as an indication of any additional concerns residents might have while using the trails.
“I think it’s important that we take a good look at what’s happening on our trails with the advent of e-scooters and e-bikes.”
“There is no speed limit just because we want to be able to monitor and see if people call in, to 3-1-1, then we’re able to determine if we need to put a focus on a different area.”
Alberta Municipalities is currently advocating for amendments to the Traffic Safety Act to regulate e-scooters, and the city says while they could wait for the outcome of these efforts, not doing so is beneficial as Grande Prairie does not currently have any rules in place to regulate the use of e-scooters.
