Survey on scooters on sidewalks

Burlington is asking residents what sort of vehicles should be allowed on city sidewalks.

It is one of the rare cities that allows bicycles on most sidewalks. But staff say there is a gap in the legislation with the rise in popularity of vehicles like electric bikes and scooters. Under Ontario ministry of transportation guidelines, e-bikes can go wherever muscle-powered bikes can go – but they are heavier and faster than traditional bikes.

As the city develops its “active transportation” plan, it has put this survey on its website asking residents where they think bikes, e-bikes and other vehicles belong.

Burlington transportation director Bruce Zvaniga says “We have the roadway, we have bike lanes, we have the sidewalk. So it’s determining where’s the best fit for the people using ebikes or scooters or skateboards, and trying to find the right safe solution that meets everyone’s needs.”

There are also public consultations next Tuesday and Wednesday evening.