The addition of e-bikes to the definition of a bicycle and removing the need for bicycle license plates are just two examples of changes going into effect on January 1st as part of the new bicycle bylaw.
The last time the city bylaw was updated was 1986 and Transportation Engineer Adam St. Amant says through the update best practices and philosophies are implemented. Over the past 40 years, there has been new infrastructure for bicycles in the city, including downtown bike lanes and multi-use paths, both of which are addressed in the new legislature.
“We needed to have something that could provide some regulation where there is gaps in the regulation,” St. Amant says. “The push was to get something modern, something relevant in place so that we could regulate these new types of infrastructure we are seeing being developed for cycling.”
The new bylaw also supports the 2021 Municipal Development Plan which highlights the importance of integrating and maintaining pedestrian and bicycle networks in the city. St. Amant says the updated bylaw acknowledges that multi-use pathways pedestrians have the right of way.
According to City of Lethbridge officials, a draft of the updated bylaw was made available to Lethbridge Community members, with administration receiving roughly 600 responses.
