I am completely in favour of…

I am completely in favour of an extensive bicycle network that would accommodate bicycles and pedelecs (bicycles that have a an electric motor that adds power when a cyclist uses the pedals) in protected lanes. Pedelecs are great for older people as it gives them an assist on hills. Neighbourhoods in cities and towns should also have a network that would allow cycling to within a block or two of a destination.

I am opposed to the use of helmets for adults, especially on a protected cycle lane. Helmets are a health hazard in that they inhibit bicycle use.

Bike thieves are also a health hazard in that they are a potential deterrent to usage. I would also like consideration of tougher measures for bicycle theft, better and more visible parking for bikes and better surveillance of parked bicycles. A better way of marking a bike so it can be traced needs to be found. This could be with the use of electronic chips embedded in the frame. Police should also be instructed to take bicycle theft much more seriously and treat it as a gateway crime.

Bikes should not be licensed; another potentially inhibiting factor in bicycle usage.

Shopping malls and retail areas generally should be encouraged to retrofit bicycle parking and servicing facilities.

Where there are no separated cycle lanes, cyclists should be allowed to ride on the sidewalk of busy streets and highways as long as they give way to pedestrians.

Work with school boards to set up protected bike lanes around schools that would operate when students are travelling to and from school.

Promptly clear bike paths of snow and ice in winter. Look at technology to find alternate ways of keeping bike paths clear of snow and ice without resorting to the use of chemicals or fossil fuels.

[Original Comment ID: 209414]