Submission ID 115107
| Session Title | TP - Complete Networks: Fitting into the Bigger Picture |
|---|---|
| Title | Regulating Micromobility for Success: How Canadian Suburbs can Harness the Benefits of E-Bikes and E-Scooters |
| Abstract | Across Canadian cities, the sustained growth of e-bike and e-scooter usage reflects a desire among travellers to reap the benefits of low-cost, convenient mobility options. At the same time, municipalities are navigating evolving technologies, a changing industry landscape, and often polarized public perceptions to create appropriate regulatory frameworks. This presentation will explore how municipal governments can craft a regulatory environment that unlocks the many potential benefits of micromobility, among both privately-owned and shared-use devices, while addressing issues such as safety risks to users and the general public, accessibility, liability management, infrastructure needs, maintenance, and public education. The presentation will focus on the potential to accelerate the adoption of micromobility in suburban environments, where longer travel distances and limited local transit access mean that e-assist devices like bikes and scooters can play a crucial role in supporting short trips and first/last-mile connections to higher order transit. Achieving sustained mode shift away from personal automobiles requires suburban municipalities to embrace a holistic planning approach to micromobility built on meaningful public engagement, stakeholder input, and a visionary approach to leveraging the fundamentals of active transportation paired with prudent use of emerging technologies. A case study of Richmond Hill, Ontario, will be presented to highlight the opportunities and challenges facing suburban cities considering the role of micromobility. The city has developed a strategy to determine its approach to micromobility, reflecting its priorities and location within the Greater Toronto Area. This presentation will outline a clear, actionable set of recommendations guiding city staff on how to update by-laws, craft procurement plans for a shared e-bike/e-scooter system, and enact a series of supportive programs and policies to support mode shift towards active, shared modes. The presentation will be relevant to those interested in how Canadian municipalities can navigate the policy and politics of micromobility. Attendees will gain insights into the practical steps and collaborative efforts required to successfully implement micromobility solutions, particularly in suburban contexts. |
| Presentation Description (for App) | This presentation outlines best practices for Canadian municipalities to regulate and promote the use of micromobility devices, including e-bikes and e-scooters, as a core element to a multi-modal transportation system. |
| Author and/or Presenter Information | Adam Rosenfield, WSP Canada Inc.
Attila Hertel, City of Richmond Hill |
