Since my column last week on bike lanes and the importance of elected officials representing the many as opposed to the few, I’ve received a flood of emails. It’s clear that the issues I raised resonate with many Winnipeg citizens. I want to thank everyone who took the time to share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas.
Feel free to reach out to me anytime at kevin@kleinmedia.ca. The overwhelming response has highlighted a shared concern among taxpayers: the current attitude of “we have a right” is not serving us well.
This attitude, which has permeated the cycling community and certain elements within the City Council, is fostering an environment where the needs of a select few are being prioritized over those of the majority. One issue that has been repeatedly brought to my attention is the behaviour of e-bike riders. E-bikes, while a fantastic innovation, are motorized vehicles and should be treated as such.
Yet, we see them speeding down bike paths, overtaking pedestrians, and disregarding basic traffic laws. This is not only dangerous but also disrespectful to other road and path users. If e-bikes are to share our city’s infrastructure, they must adhere to the same regulations as other vehicles.
This includes licensing, which would hold e-bike riders accountable for reckless behaviour and ensure they contribute fairly to the maintenance of the paths they use. Moreover, why are we spending millions on building and maintaining bike paths while not allowing bicycle.