E-bikers have been shocked and confused over the past week in March when the Regional District of North Okanagan posted new indicators banning class 2 and three e-bikes from its part of the favored Okanagan Rail Trail.
In truth, this restriction just isn’t new however apparently nobody — together with the Sheriff and Friends of the Okanagan Rail Trail, knew something about it.
“The e-bike restriction is part of our Greater Vernon Sub Regional Parks Regulation Bylaw No. 2834 (2020) that restricts e-bikes to class 1: e-bikes with pedal-assist, maximum continuous output of 500 watts and (the motor) ceases to provide assistance above 32 km/h.” defined Brad Ackerman, RDNO supervisor of parks, recreation and tradition, on Tuesday.
Class 2 e-bikes have a pedal-assist operate plus a throttle for partial pedal-assist or full activation (no pedalling required).
“The e-bike policy is consistent with many communities across the province, with BC Parks, Recreation Sites and Trails BC and the Mission Creek Greenway in the Central Okanagan. Class 2 and 3 e-bikes are classified as motor vehicles and, as a result, are not permitted,” mentioned Ackerman.
The RDNO bylaw isn’t solely per BC Park’s 2019 e-bike restrictions in two respects, mentioned Sheila Fraser, co-owner of Pedego Oyama.
BC Parks says a category 2 e-bike could be changed into a category 1 with the clause: “May have a deactivated throttle actuator so that the motor is only controlled by pedal-assist.”
BC Parks additionally stipulates: “In some parks, class 2 e-bikes are also allowed on active transportation-designated trails, which are commuter pathways linking communities together like some sections of the Kettle Valley Rail Trail.”
Fraser notes she frequently commutes to her place of job in Oyama from her dwelling in Vernon. “I view the ORT as an active transportation trail for that purpose. Ironically, the ORT has been an ‘active transportation route’ for generations: the First Nations used this corridor through the Okanagan to access their summer fishing grounds and the railway used it since 1908.”
“Our bylaw doesn’t speak specifically to the deactivated throttle actuator like B.C. Parks, but this would satisfy pedal-assist requirements. From my understanding, several bike shops like Cyclepath in Kelowna sell e-bikes with this capability, and/or that can provide this option,” mentioned Ackerman.
“FORT has only just become aware of the RDNO bylaw with the appearance of the signage last week,” mentioned Laurie Postill, Friends of the rail trail chair. “We are checking into it and agree that communication is important. The topic is on our agenda for our next board meeting which is set for May 10.”
Then, there’s the matter of enforcement.
“We operate on complaint-based enforcement. We do not have an active patrol for violations of our bylaws within our parks and trails,” mentioned Ackerman. In truth, “there have been no fines issued against the section of the bylaw as it pertains to vehicle use as described. The penalty for a violation is $200.”
“I am aware of the change, but we were not engaged on it. Lake Country is not considering the same restriction,” mentioned Matt Vader, District of Lake Country’s director of parks, recreation and tradition.
“We get daily inquiries about class 1 and 2, and if throttles are legal,” mentioned Fraser. “Some folks seem to be getting misinformation or taking people’s opinions as the facts.”
At Pedego Oyama: all rental class 2 e-bikes have their throttle disengaged — successfully making them class 1 – and the utmost velocity is “governed down” to a most of 20 km-h (not the Transport Canada most of 32 km/h), she mentioned.
“All rental customers are made aware of restricted trails and where they are located. All customers are given an orientation on the operation of our bikes, and basic trail etiquette and safety.”
As properly, purchasers of Pedego class 2 e-bikes are supplied the choice of deactivating the throttle making them class 1 however most decline as a result of class 2 bikes are authorized in B.C., she mentioned.
“Conventional bikes have no restrictions at all. Ultimately, the individual riding the bike is who controls how that bike — conventional or electric — performs. Similarly, when driving a vehicle of any type, the motorist is expected to drive responsibly and use common sense while obeying all rules of the road. Just because a car can go to 140 km/h doesn’t mean it must be operated that way.”
More info is coming.
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Kelowna Riding Club is internet hosting a Food, Fun and Tack occasion immediately with a continental breakfast
9-10 a.m., Stall Door tack and attire sale 10 a.m.-2 p.m., WE Playday within the Jumper Ring 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Western Trail course 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and a Treasure Hunt for youths 10 a.m.-noon, all at 3745 Gordon Dr. in Kelowna.
More info is posted at: kelownariding membership.ca.
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Spring is totally one of the best time of yr to the Okanagan trails with arrowleaf balsam root, Saskatoon bushes and Oregon grape all masking the hillsides with forests of yellow and white.
Coming Round the Mountain Loop Trail in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park was unimaginable on Tuesday, second solely to kayaking the north finish of Kalamalka Lake on Wednesday.
J.P. Squire, aka the Hiking, Biking, Kayaking and Horseback-riding Sheriff,
is a retired journalist. Email: jp.squire@telus.web.