An e-bike user in the North Okanagan (photo courtesy of Sheila Fraser of Pedego Oyama via the RDNO)

By Liam Verster

4,200 name petition

More e-bikes to be allowed on Rail Trail

Jun 2, 2022 | 4:00 AM

The Okanagan Rail Trail should see more e-bike users starting this summer.

The Regional District of North Okanagan’s (RDNO) Greater Vernon Advisory Committee (GVAC) supported in principle changing a bylaw to allow the use of Class 2 electric bikes on the Rail Trail after receiving a delegation from Sheila Fraser, owner of Pedego Oyama, an electric bike store, on Wednesday, June 1.

The current bylaw, which was adopted by the RDNO board last July, does not allow the use of Class 2 e-bikes on the 13 kilometre stretch of trail from Coldstream to Lake Country, though it does allow Class 1 e-bikes. Both classes of the e-bikes are pedal-assist, have a maximum speed of 32 kilometres per hour, though the Class 2 models are throttle-assisted, while the Class 1’s are not.

During the meeting Wednesday, Fraser said the Class 2 e-bikes should be allowed on the trail as they have the same speed as the other model; it would allow for the typical e-bike users, who are aged 55 and older, to travel with greater ease; and it would create more consistent regulations for trail users across all jurisdictions.

Fraser also presented GVAC with a petition consisting of over 4,200 signatures asking for Class 2 e-bikes to be allowed on the trail.

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Following the delegation, GVAC members noted that enforcing a bylaw that allows one type of e-bike but not another would be difficult; that fatigue is real even on a flat trail, especially in older people and on long trips; that the trail leads to communities where people can ride off with assistance to climb hills; and that there should be some consistency in what is permitted through all jurisdictions along the trail.

It was noted there should be a focus on education to ensure people are being safe and sharing the trail.

Coldstream director Pat Cochrane put forward a motion to amend the bylaw and allow for Class 2 e-bikes to be used on the Okanagan Rail Trail.

Victor Cumming, Vernon mayor and GVAC director, voiced concerns over allowing this, and how it could escalate to allow other motorized electric vehicles on the trail, but the discussion resulted in there being specific wording to allow Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes as outlined under B.C.’s Motor Assisted Cycling Regulations.

The vote to support amending the bylaw passed unanimously.

Speaking with Vernon Matters after the vote, Fraser said she was pleased with GVAC’s decision.

“I’m truly happy, that’s what we wanted to happen so I was really excited with the responsiveness of the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee that they actually took what they heard from us and agreed it was the right time to make a change,” said Fraser.

She noted that the need for consistency in trail use regulations was really important, especially as the e-bike use has increased significantly over the past few years.

“I think what is really important to me is the Okanagan Rail Trail is an active transportation corridor that does connect communities, and I think we have to treat it as something truly very unique,” said Fraser.

“So it should have one voice and one set of rules that apply throughout the entire trail.”

She also told Vernon Matters that the Class 2 e-Bikes will allow more people to get out and enjoy the popular pathway.

“For people who are returning to cycling who haven’t been out riding a bike for a lot of years, they’re coming back into cycling, they may not be as limber and agile as you or I are, so for them, having that little extra throttle-assist and pedal-assist will really help them get out there and be active and be out in the community and enjoying what we’ve got to offer in the Okanagan Valley.”

Fraser added that boosting education will be a focus in the near future, particularly when it comes to safety and trail etiquette. She reminds riders of both e-bikes and bicycles to wear a helmet, to use a bell or call out when passing people and to travel single file, while also saying pedestrians should not take up the entire path and that dog walkers should keep their pets under control to avoid any conflicts with other trail users.

The recommendation to amend the bylaw will go to the RDNO’s Board of Directors for further discussion and final approval at their next meeting.

The change does not permit the use of Class 3 e-bikes, as they have a maximum speed of 45 km/h.