The Town of Collingwood prohibits bicycles and motorized vehicles including e-bikes on sidewalks in town.
But sometimes, it doesn’t feel that way for pedestrians.
Local senior Jean Stewart walks a lot near her home on Beech St. and along First St. while walking her dog, and regularly patronizes Collingwood’s downtown. What she’s noticed, she says, is a major uptick in bicycles, scooters and e-bikes on the sidewalks, which she thinks should really be preserved for pedestrians.
“As a senior, I find it very difficult if I’m on a sidewalk. I live right near Shoppers Drug Mart,” said Stewart. “I’m constantly facing adults on bicycles. I find it very hard.”
When she goes downtown, she’s found it to be just as bad.
“You’re dodging bikes,” she said. “To me, it’s escalated more and more. I think sidewalks are for pedestrians, or people with baby carriages or toddlers.”
With the advent of new technology becoming more popular – such as e-bikes and electric scooters – it’s no longer just cyclists that are the issue.
“It’s getting more congested on the sidewalk,” she said.
Acting manager of bylaw services with the town Adam Harrod told CollingwoodToday this week that the town prohibits both bicycles and motorized vehicles including e-bikes on any sidewalk in Collingwood. One exception to this rule is on First St., as the sidewalk there is wider than a traditional sidewalk and is technically considered a multi-use path.
The only exception to this on all other sidewalks in town is for bicycles with a wheel diameter of 18 inches or less.
“This exception is specifically designed so that younger children can have a safe space to learn how to ride their bicycles before they move onto the road,” he said.
Bicycles and pedelecs (a motor-assisted bicycle) can be operated on most roads, within bicycle lanes, and on multi-use trails and paths.
E-bikes are only permitted to be operated on certain roads and within bicycle lanes in accordance with the Highway Traffic Act. E-bikes are not permitted to be operated on multi-use trails and paths within the Town of Collingwood.
When asked whether bylaw staff have handed out any tickets when cyclists are using the sidewalk, Harrod said bylaw enforcement typically focuses on educating vehicle operators rather than issuing tickets.
He said if a pedestrian witnesses someone operating a bicycle or motorized vehicle (including an e-bike) on a sidewalk, they can contact Service Collingwood at 705-445-1030 or by email at [email protected].
