To: Dr. Erika Paterson, ENGL 301 Instructor
From: Jennifer Dunbar, ENGL 301 Student
Date: February 24, 2023
Subject: Formal Proposal for the Implementation of Electric Bicycle and Scooter Rules on the Arbutus Greenway
Introduction
In 2016, the City of Vancouver purchased 8.8 kilometers of land from the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) with the vision of transforming it into a public corridor for walking, running and cycling. Officially known as the Arbutus Greenway, it currently runs from False Creek to the Fraser River. Phase 1 has been completed, with phases 2-4 being implemented over the next 10 years (City of Vancouver, n.d.).
The popularity of this paved pathway has grown significantly and is used by community members and visitors of all ages and ability. However, the number of electric bicycles and e-scooters sharing the greenway has also increased. When operated at high speeds with no enforced limits or effective safety measures, a higher potential for pedestrian accidents and injury is imminent.
Intended Audience
The City of Vancouver, specifically the council responsible for the development of the Arbutus Greenway.
Statement of Problem
Electric bicycles and e-scooters can reach speeds of 32 km/hr (Rize Bikes, 2022), and with very vague rules and awareness surrounding their use on public pathways such as the Arbutus Greenway, they pose a significant risk of injury to pedestrians. While sharing the greenway is currently legal, there is no signage indicating speed limits or any physical structures to enforce slower speeds and safety. Moreover, laws are not being enforced surrounding the minimum age limit for operating these devices, adding significantly to safety risks for both the rider and pedestrians.
Proposed Solution
The first possible solution to reduce the risk of pedestrian injury from electric bicycles and scooters on the Arbutus Greenway is through education and awareness of the Vancouver city bylaws. While this information is readily available on the internet, and an excellent source of information, it cannot be assumed that riders are educating themselves properly. Therefore, signage outlining city laws should be strategically placed at all traffic intersections.
The second solution would be for the City of Vancouver to implement a safe speed limit and install signage along the entire distance of the greenway. This would serve as a reminder for riders to check the speedometer and adjust accordingly.
A third solution would be to install barriers or chicanes that force cyclists to slow down. These could be placed at the end of each section, or at various points along the greenway.
Scope
To assess feasibility of implementing additional safety measures onto the Arbutus Greenway, I plan to pursue six areas of inquiry:
- What rules and regulations are currently in place for electric bike and e-scooter use in Vancouver and across Canada?
- Do any of the future phases of the Arbutus Greenway development include additional safety measures?
- What is the public’s opinion of the current safety on the Arbutus Greenway regarding electric bicycles and e-scooters?
- What is the average number of electric bikes and e-scooters that use the Arbutus Greenway daily?
- What other cities have benefited from setting speed limits and/or barriers to public bike paths?
- What is the projected cost to produce and install signage and barriers along the current 8.8 km corridor?
Methods
My primary data sources will be obtained through correspondence with the City of Vancouver and the city’s online community, Talk Vancouver. I will also observe and track the use of electric bicycles and e-scooters on the Arbutus Greenway during high traffic periods, over a two day period. Finally, I will survey pedestrians in the Kerrisdale area to gauge safety concerns and support for implementing speed reduction measures.
Secondary sources will include publications on the dangers of electric bicycles and e-scooters in urban settings, the benefits of barriers and speed limits on bike paths and documentation outlining successful safety measures in other cities within Canada and internationally.
My Qualifications
I have lived in Kerrisdale for 16 years and I am currently a third-year Psychology student at UBC who frequently uses the Arbutus Greenway. As a mother of two children who are also frequent users, I have a vested interest in raising these concerns and proposing a few solutions to improve upon an already positive and well-loved addition to the community.
Conclusion
There is no denying that the Arbutus Greenway is extremely popular for Vancouver residents and visitors of all ages and capabilities. However, in order for this to continue, the City of Vancouver needs to educate the public on the city laws of electric bicycles and e-scooters, as well as facilitate safety improvements through signage, speed limits and speed reduction barriers. With your approval I will begin the research process.
References
City of Vancouver. (n.d.). Arbutus Greenway documents and background information.. . https://vancouver.ca/streets-transportation/arbutus-greenway-background-documents.aspx
Rize Bikes. (2022, May 22). YouTube. https://rizebikes.ca/blogs/blog/riding-your-electric-bike-in-north-america-laws-and-regulations?gclid=Cj0KCQiA3eGfBhCeARIsACpJNU-PMYSpQUIIEJxnA93hYGpyr6R5TcSVFcJGUvDqv8sSEzYOhr3Ch94aAnaSEALw_wcB
Thank you Jennifer, this is an excellent proposal 🙂 for a worthwhile investigation. I look forward to learning more and reading your progress report next week. Thank you again.