Regarding the article in the July 25 Pique, about e-bikes on the Valley Trail: this is a big concern. It is worth emphasizing that e-bikers use the Village Stroll as well. The proposed (hopefully) interim solution, according to Mayor Jack Crompton, is “education is the best tool right now.” That won’t work to any great degree. There are plenty of (e-)bikers who cannot read or understand the signs and symbols informing them not to ride on the Stroll. That will be the same for the Trail.
I understand the issues about “limited bylaw resources” and that Resort Municipality of Whistler “staff are not RCMP-qualified law enforcement people.” But unless wholesale changes are made, there is no point in wasting ratepayers’ money on trying to nudge riders in the right direction. Some suggestions which might work at the municipal level are to build alternative trails for e-bikes only, or strengthen the regulations regarding the use of e-bikes on the Village Stroll, so there are much higher fines and better enforcement.
At the provincial or federal level: Initially, introduce legislation that ensures that any head injuries to e-bikers are wholly and solely the responsibility of the rider, regardless of the cause of any accident.
Change the definition of motorized cycles, so it includes all bikes with any type of motor. Hopefully this would lead to e-bikers being required to wear a helmet. They would also need to obey traffic laws.
I’m not expecting anything except lip service, but you never know...
