Government of Ontario bans bicycles from provincial parks
(Toronto) Bill 11 - Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act has
been amended in such a way that it will effectively ban bicycles from
Ontario provincial parks until such time as the Minister of Natural
Resources passes regulations permitting existing cycling activities to
continue. The amendment changes the word non-motorized in the existing
legislation that allows park visitors to, "…travel primarily by
non-motorized means…, to the word non-mechanized. Bicycles though
un-motorized and muscle-powered are nonetheless mechanical. The Bill is
now slated for 3rd reading.
Janet O'Connell, Executive Director of BTAC notes that, "…the 11th
hour amendment to Bill 11 ejects a most enthusiastic, supportive and
active segment of Ontario provincial park users. The effect will be to
disenfranchise a highly motivated demographic group of advocates that have
been actively engaged in protecting green spaces throughout North
America." Ms. O'Connell adds that, "Access to Ontario provincial
parks and conservation areas for cycling builds a sense of pride and
ownership in those parks. We want Ontarians to interact with the natural
environment because through their interaction they gain a sense of the
inherent value of the natural environment and the need for its
conservation and preservation. Cycling is a healthy, environmentally
friendly and sustainable way for that interaction to occur."
Scientific evidence from numerous jurisdictions that have undertaken
systematic assessments of various land-use activities shows that mountain
bikes ridden on designated trails have no more ecological impact than
hikers. Paul Nielsen, President of BTAC remarks that, "Given what we
know about the impact of bicycles of designated trails the public policy
rationale for this amendment is perplexing", adding that, "The
objective should be to get more Ontarians to enjoy parks and conservation
areas and thus become their proponents and defenders, not less."
BTAC's position is that the language in the Bill should revert to the use
of term "non-motorized". However, should the legislation be
passed as currently drafted BTAC will be advocating that the regulations
allowing existing cycling activities in provincial parks and conservation
areas be enacted upon implementation of the Provincial Parks and
Conservation Reserves Act.
BTAC is a national trade association whose mission is to create consumer
awareness by promoting cycling in Canada through alliances and
partnerships. A wide spectrum of leading manufacturers, distributors,
suppliers, and retailers of cycling equipment and services make up BTAC's
membership. Programs include, market research, member cost saving benefits
and initiatives to grow participation in cycling activities and promote
healthier lifestyles. BTAC is the producer of the Canada's bike tradeshow,
ExpoCycle. The 2006 event will be held in Montreal, Quebec.
