Whitby, Ontario – On April 27, Durham Regional Council accepted the brand new Electric Kick Scooter By-law that helps the usage of e-scooters on Regional roads.
On January 1, 2020 the Ministry of Transportation Ontario (MTO) carried out a brand new five-year pilot program to allow Electric Kick Scooters (e-scooters) on Ontario’s roads.
Through the pilot, MTO has given municipalities the flexibility to allow the usage of e-scooter gadgets and decide the place these gadgets could also be used together with roads, pathways and different property below their jurisdiction.
Based on public suggestions and feedback, the brand new Regional e-scooter by-law acknowledges the usage of e-scooters, or micro-mobility gadgets, as a way of transportation for residents ages 16 years and older inside bike lanes or paved shoulders on Regional roads. The following guidelines and rules are outlined within the by-law:
- Helmets are necessary for riders below the age of 18 years previous; it’s inspired that every one riders put on a helmet for his or her safety.
- E-scooters should be outfitted with a bell and/or horn and lights.
- Only one rider per e-scooter – passengers aren’t permitted.
- Towing, pushing or pulling objects shouldn’t be permitted. Purses and backpacks could also be carried.
- E-mobility gadgets can be utilized on Regional roads with a posted pace restrict of as much as 60 km/hour inside a motorcycle lane. If there are not any bike lanes, e-scooters are permitted to function as shut as sensible to the right-hand curb, fringe of the roadway or inside the paved shoulder. The most pace restrict for an e-scooter is 24 kilometres per hour.
- Devices should be parked in an upright place with the body secured, out of the best way from others and shouldn’t block entrances or pathways. E-mobility gadgets can use the identical parking amenities as conventional bicycles.
As the Region is working to create safer roads for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists by way of the Durham Vision Zero Strategic Road Safety Action Plan, residents want to pay attention to what to anticipate when utilizing e-scooters on Durham’s transportation community. To be taught extra in regards to the forms of e-mobility gadgets in addition to protected journey suggestions for E-mobility customers and drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and different highway customers, go to: durham.ca.
Quotes
“E-mobility devices, such as e-scooters and e-bikes, offer a safe, efficient and cost-friendly alternative mode of transportation. This new by-law will help residents complete short distance trips quicker than walking or traditional cycling. By helping travelers complete the first or last kilometres of travel, e-scooters and e-bikes connect travelers to their destinations and provide more options for residents and visitors to explore Durham Region.”
-Brian Bridgeman – Commissioner of Planning and Economic Development
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For media requests, please contact CorporateCommunications@durham.ca.