Cycling lanes in downtown Lethbridge. The City of Lethbridge has approved new regulations for bicycles. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

New bicycle regulations approved in Lethbridge

Nov 12, 2024 | 2:03 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Lethbridge City Council has approved a series of changes to the way bicycles are regulated.

At its regular meeting on November 12, 2024, members voted to adopt amendments to the Bicycle Bylaw.

Councillor Mark Campbell says the document has remained untouched for nearly 40 years, being first passed in 1979 and revised in 1986.

“We know that the previous Bicycle Bylaw was quite outdated, so this updated version will provide a single point of regulation for roadway cycling and dedicated cycling infrastructure for our growing community,” says Campbell.

Key changes to the bylaw, as outlined in a media release from the City of Lethbridge, include:

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• Adding e-bikes to the definition of a bicycle. While bicycle and e-bikes are defined by other orders of government, the updated definition makes it clear that the bylaw applies to both bicycles and e-bikes
• Adding details for managing the use of bicycle lanes. Bicycle lanes are a relatively new type of infrastructure. Sections in the proposed bylaw are intended to provide clarity related to the use of bicycle lanes
• Adding an abandoned bicycle removal process. This section allows the City Manager or Lethbridge Police Service to deal with bicycles that appear to have been abandoned on public property for more than 72 hours
• Adding wording around the use of multi-use pathways. Sections of the proposed bylaw are intended to provide clarity relating to the use of multi-use pathways and the need for bicycles to yield to pedestrians
• Adding that the City Manager can provide exemptions to some sections. For example, the City Manager could provide micro-mobility service providers an exemption allowing their e-scooters to operate in bicycle lanes
• Removed need for bicycle license plates. The City does not have a process, or resources assigned to issue bicycle license plates
• Updated bicycle parking section. This includes removing the section requiring bicycle owners to pay the police for transportation and storage of their stolen bicycle and simplifying the language relating to the parking requirements
• Updated penalties to better reflect the cost of enforcement
• Updated definitions and terminology

According to the city, the Government of Alberta plans to create its own legislation relating to cycling infrastructure, so some of the details in this bylaw may or may not have to change in the future.

Implementation of the new Bicycle Bylaw is set to take effect on January 1, 2025.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now.

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