Cyclists want city to re-evaluate bylaws
Group argues some rules unsafe, unfair, unenforceable or harm delivery services
Saskatoon Cycles thinks the city has more work to do before it can be called bicycle friendly.
The organization’s members believe the current cycling bylaws, which were originally enacted in May 1988 and last amended in December 2011, need to be reviewed and updated. The organization is suggesting the change or removal of eight provisions that members believe to be dangerous, unenforceable or discriminatory to local cyclists.
“(The bylaws) are definitely out of date and there is room for improvement,” said board member Brodie Thompson, citing the bylaw requiring cyclists to dismount and walk when passing pedestrians on bridges.
“The practicality is just not there. Lots of cyclists wear special shoes that clip into the pedals and they are kind of difficult to walk in, so if you’re wearing those shoes and are biking up the bridge ... you would have to unclick, walk in these awkward shoes and try to walk faster than someone who is jogging.”
Th group also wants changes to the ban on stunting and biking on sidewalks, the requirement for bikes to be equipped with a bell, and cyclists being forced to ride as far to the right as possible or in bike lanes when and where it may not be safe.
Thompson said the group is also requesting a re-evaluation of rules against passengers and specifications on hauling loads, since specially designed bikes now exist to accommodate loads and extra passengers, such as the bread delivery bike used by The Night Oven Bakery.
“I think it would be great if small businesses would use those types of bikes for deliveries, and if they are limited or prohibited from doing that based on an out-of-date bylaw, then I think that’s problematic.”
The city’s Active Transportation Plan aims to turn Saskatoon into a leading city for active transportation, biking included.
Thompson said the suggestions from Saskatoon Cycles would “significantly assist” in making the plan a success.
“It’s very unlikely that a police officer is going to give you a ticket for not dismounting, and there’s lots of examples of people observing police officers not following that bylaw themselves,” Thompson said.
“So if a bylaw is not practical and not enforced, what’s the point?”
No one from the City of Saskatoon was available to comment.