The directors of the Greater Vernon Advisory Committee (GVAC) unanimously voted to re-allow class 2 e-bikes back on the rail trail, in a meeting on Wednesday night.
The original ban was put in place by the Regional District of North Okanagan in July 2021, that prohibited the usage of class-2 and class-3 e-bikes on the northern section of the trail (Coldstream to Lake Country).
Photo Credit: Okanagan Rail Ride
However, the majority of riders were unaware the ban was in place, until signs were posted this spring.
Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes are ones that can be powered without the use of pedaling, and utilize throttles to start up.
Class 1 bikes have pedal-assist motors, with limited speeds enabled.
With the fee for violating the bylaw at $200, as of May 5, there had been no fines yet given out.
Amid confusion and controversy, a petition was made by Sheila Fraser to ask the GVAC to review the ban earlier this year.
In the GVAC’s meeting on June 1, they unanimously voted to scrap the ban on class 2 bikes. Class 3 will still be prohibited.
"This makes it a more unified voice for the entire length of the Okanagan Rail Trail," said Fraser. "This is an active transportation corridor and… it connects all these communities together so it's really important that people feel comfortable that they understand that they are allowed on the entire trail."
While GVAC approved the motion to overturn the ban, it will now be sent to the Regional District Board of Directors meeting on June15 for a final meeting, which should be just a formality.
