The subject of whether or not to allow power bicycles or electric scooters on the Red Willow Trail system is now front-page news in St. Albert.
Mayor Nolan Crouse wants to consider future changes to St. Albert's current traffic bylaw to address this issue because bylaw supervisor Aaron Giesbrecht tries to interpret the definition of the word 'bicycle' as it is defined in that bylaw. Another example of minor bureaucrats at city hall thinking that their positions are more important than they really are.
First of all, Giesbrecht works at the St. Albert bylaw enforcement department, not at a bylaw interpretation department. It's not his job to interpret anything written in that or any other bylaw, only to ensure that those laws are enforced.
The term 'bicycle' is defined quite simply, "... any cycle powered by muscular power ..." Note that it doesn't say, "... any cycle that could, might or partially be powered by muscular power ..."
In other words, if any cycle is found to be operating on the trail system, it better be found being powered solely by pedalling by foot and/or hand. If the power to the cycle's wheels is being supplied by an electric motor at any point while being ridden on the Red Willow Trail system, the rider would be in contravention of the bylaw.
What's so difficult about all this?
Randy Kish, St. Albert
