By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON. March 9, 2013 Now that it is pretty evident the snow is about to leave for the season and we can get out on the streets and roadways for a walk, city hall wants to know how sidewalks and roadways are used by various forms of transportation. They are going to review how sidewalks and roadways are used by pedestrians, cyclists, skateboards, e-bikes and other modes of transportation throughout the city.
What do we want to allow on our sidewalks? City wants your input.
Bruce Zvaniga, director of transportation for the city and the guy who runs the traffic ticket courts AS WELL, says: “We feel this review is especially important now that so many new forms of transportation are available, without clear guidelines for their use”. The goal is to ensure the safe travel of everyone who uses sidewalks, roads or multi-use pathways throughout the city regardless of what form of transportation they have chosen.”
Bicycles, wheelchairs and personal mobility devices are allowed on sidewalks under the jurisdiction of the City of Burlington, with the exception of Brant Street between Caroline Street and Lakeshore Road where bicycles are not permitted to use the sidewalks.
The Ministry of Transportation has developed a series of fact sheets on the use of e-bikes, mopeds, scooters, personal mobility devices, Segway’s, motor scooters and a variety of other vehicle they refer to as new and emerging. However, where these vehicles are used remains up to municipalities to decide.
To help with this review, city staff is gathering input from the community through an online survey, available until March 31, 2013.
City staff will then host two open houses where residents can learn more about these new modes of transportation and provide comments.
Survey location:
Tuesday, March 19, 2013 – 7 to 9 p .m.
Burlington Art Centre, Shoreline Room, 1333 Lakeshore Road
Wednesday, March 20, 2013; 7 to 9 p.m
Tansley Woods, Community Centre Room 1; 1996 Itabashi Way
City staff will use the information gathered to help with their review. For more information, contact Brent Jefferson, traffic technologist, at 905-335-7671, ext. 7760 or by e-mail at brent.jefferson@burlington.ca.
