In Quebec, access to public roads is prohibited for two- or three-wheeled motorized vehicles that do not bear the national safety mark. (Daniel Thomas/Radio-Canada) Since Quebec banned certain types of motorcycles and mopeds that do not meet federal safety standards this summer, the situation has improved on Montreal bike paths, cyclist advocates say.
"Now it seems to be a much more comfortable situation on our bike paths. It’s noticeable," said Louis Lalonde, a spokesperson for Vélo Québec, which had lobbied for the ban over safety concerns.
These often electrically powered vehicles could be seen zipping down bike paths, roads and sidewalks, but they were non-compliant with Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSS).
"These vehicles pose a safety risk to vulnerable users of sidewalks and bike paths due to their high weight and the speeds they can reach," said Quebec’s auto insurance board, Société de l’assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), in a July news release.
Also, the SAAQ said, it’s a matter of fairness to the owners of compliant motorcycles and mopeds who must register their vehicles and hold the correct class of driver’s licence to drive them on the road network.
The board prohibited these two- or three-wheeled motorized vehicles that, with or without pedals, have characteristics such as footrests or can reach speeds of more than 32 km/h. These vehicles are not allowed if they have a nominal power — average power output under normal conditions — greater than 500 watts. SPVM issues 244 tickets
Since the ministerial order came into effect […]
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