(This letter was sent to Whistler’s mayor and council, and shared with Pique.)
I would agree with those writing in regarding e-bikes on the Valley Trail. They should not be allowed. Pedal bikes and walking are welcome, as the Valley Trail was designed for.
No motorized vehicles. Period.
I think the people of Whistler need to make this an election issue.
Interestingly enough, we have been through this before, and the mayor and council of the day made the decision then to stick to the no-motorized-vehicle policy.
The year was 2005. The issue was the Segway. (Read all about it here: “No Segways allowed on Valley Trail,” Pique, Feb. 11, 2005.)
The Segway’s top speed is 20 kilometres an hour. Similar to an e-bike. Banned. No motorized vehicles.
Almost 20 years ago, there was a discussion about how “one of Whistler’s most prized assets,” the Valley Trail, was becoming congested.
I think we can all agree, it has only become more so.
“Motor vehicles have no place on the Valley Trail,” was the resounding choice 20 years ago, well before e-bikes were conceived. The council of the day could see that allowing something seemingly innocent as the Segway could lead to issues in the future.
“While Councillor Ken Melamed conceded the Segway is unlike other motorized vehicles, allowing them on the Valley Trail could open the door for other motorized users,” Pique wrote in 2005.
And here we are. That’s called good foresight.
The Valley Trail was designed for walking and pedal bikes.
I have nothing against e-bikes. I would encourage e-bike infrastructure.
If people are that enthusiastic about it, as they were for the walking/pedal biking Valley Trail, then start advocating for e-bike-only lanes along the road, or a new e-bike-only Valley Trail.
It would be a welcome addition.
We cannot have the mayor and council shy away from these issues, or worse, ignore them like they don’t exist.
Let’s keep the Valley Trail as intended: Motorized vehicle-free.
This election cycle, ask all those running where they stand on this issue.
It is important we handle this now before it spirals out of control due to neglect.
Let’s get e-bike infrastructure on the ballot and off the Valley Trail.
