Crackdown on e-bikes not in "pedal mode" on area trails

A crackdown on e-bikes that aren’t in pedal mode or complying with bylaws on the Kinsmen Trail and Kate Pace Way is taking place this week.

“There have been near misses, accidents involving injury and a lot of complaints about e-bikes on these trails,” said Ron Melnyk, City of North Bay’s By-Law Enforcement Coordinator.

Bylaw officials, the Conservation Authority and City Police are all involved. A city bylaw restricts the use of power-assisted bikes on trails to “pedal mode” only.

Fines range from $80 to $150 depending on the violation.

“People need to have their e-bikes in pedal mode, not electric mode. It’s become a safety issue. As well, motorized vehicles are not allowed on conservation areas and trails,” says Troy Storms, Supervisor of Field Operations at the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority (NBMCA) which co-owns and co-manages the Kinsmen Trail and Kate Pace Way with the City.