Region wants bikes on paved shoulders

June 19, 2013 · 0 Comments

Peel Regional councillors wants cyclists using more paved shoulders on roads.
Councillors recently passed a motion calling on the Province to amend the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) to allow cyclists to ride on paved shoulders as-of-right. The exception would be on roads where bicycles are prohibited by regulation.
The motion, which council passed without comment, noted the Region is promoting paved shoulders as part of its Active Trannsportation Plan. In addition to other benefits, such as erosion control, extending the service life of the pavement, providing a place for disabled vehicles to pull off the road and accommodating emegency vehicles, the motion stated paved shoulders provide space for cyclists outside the travel lanes.
Bicycle safety is high on the list of concerns that prompted this. Both Ontario’s Chief Coroner and the Ontario Draft Cycling Strategy have advocated revisions to HTA to allow for cycling on paved shoulders. The Ministry to Transportation is undergoing consultation to determine measures to address the safety of the province’s cyclists.