Our Provincial Committee has formed a task force whose mission is to do a systematic review of the provincial Highway Traffic Act (HTA). Their goal is to make cycling a more attractive transportation alternative.

Process

Develop a list of issues

• Consult with BttF's membership.
• Review and expand upon the initial review of the HTA that has been done by BttF member and lawyer Todd Andres.

Assemble solid background information

• Gather best practices in other jurisdictions.
• Survey cyclists, drivers, pedestrians.
• Consult with police.
• Prioritize the list and identify contentious issues.
• Include our research in the Provincial Active Transportation Advisory Committee's research project.

Present recommendations to the provincial government's department of Infrastructure & Transportation for an annual review of the HTA

• Work with provincial officials to include our issues in an annual review.
• Promote politically attractive recommendations.
• Repeat each year.

Present recommendations through advisory committees

• Promote top priorities at every opportunity.
• Continue building background information.

Some Issues

• Clarity of the rules of the road
• STOP signs as YIELD signs for cyclists
• Sharing the road
• Bike's passing cars on the right
• Side-by-side riding
• Passing distance when cars pass bikes
• Proper riding distance from the curb
• Car/bike behaviour at intersections
• Bike Boxes
• Riding on (sharing) sidewalks
• Riding on the roadway shoulder
• Rules for bike lanes
• Intersection light, paint, signage
• Dismount requirements when a multi-use trail crosses streets
• Required equipment: lights, helmet, bell

BttF's HTA Review task force

• Charles Feaver
• Todd Anders
• Jeremy Hull
• Janice Lukes
• Mark Cohoe
• Cory Bellhouse
• Bill Newman
• Matt Gemmel
• Dave Elmore

If you'd like contribute to this issue, please contact Provincial Committee Director Charles Feaver.