Province Wants Input on Proposed New Bicycle Rules

If you are a fan of two-wheeled transit, the province wants to hear from you.

The province is starting public consultations on proposed new rules for bicycles, aimed at making the rules of the road clear and easy to understand.

"We all want to know our roads are safe," said John MacDonell, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.

"These new rules will help us ensure that everyone knows the rules, and will help keep cyclists and others safe."

The new rules would:

• clarify that power-assisted bicycles are subject to the same rules as manual bicycles
• set out who must wear a bicycle helmet, and how helmet regulations will be enforced
• set out rules for towing a bicycle trailer
• ban dangerous cycling practices, including riding between two lanes of vehicles going in the same direction, and travelling in groups of over 15 cyclists on the highway

To see the full list of proposed amendments and fill out the consultation document, visit www.gov.ns.ca/snsmr/access/drivers/stakeholder-consultations-on-bicycles.asp .

Groups or individuals who would like to offer their input can e-mail mvaconsultations@gov.ns.ca by Sept. 14. They can also phone 424-4380 in metro Halifax, or 1-800-670-4357.

Written submissions can be sent to:

MVA Consultations - Bicycles Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations P.O. Box 216 Halifax, N.S. B3J 2M4