Abstract Manager

While active transportation planning began to gain momentum in the late 1980s and early 1990s, in recent years we have seen a significant increase in the demand for pedestrian and bicycle facilities in our communities. Canadian municipalities have responded to this demand and are more extensively incorporating active transportation facilities into their urban and rural transportation systems. These facilities are commonly believed to enhance the overall safety of the streets where they are installed. However, some minority groups, such as those with reduced mobility and visibility, have raised concerns that the new bicycle facilities may discriminate against them in some cases.

Following a complaint filed with the British Columbia Human Rights Tribunal, a court decision was reached that found a new bicycle facility to be in compliance with the most recent design guidelines, but acknowledged that these guidelines did not take into account the safety of the visually impaired. This decision could have far-reaching implications for the subject facility, similar facilities, and existing active transportation design guidelines. The presentation will explore the potential effects of this court decision on the transportation industry.