MidlandToday welcomes letters to the editor at [email protected]. Please include your daytime phone number and address (for verification of authorship, not publication). The following letter is in response to a letter to the editor, titled ‘Spandex’ cyclists worse than elderly e-bikers,' published July 19, 2022.
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I just read the letter to the editor today, July 19, from a senior commenting on the recent posting of signs on the Midland bike trails barring e-bikes.
It was just over a week ago that I saw these signs posted, and I was absolutely flabbergasted! I walk seven to 10 kilometres a day on the trail around Midland Bay five days a week, and I ride my e-bike on the trails at least three to five times a week.
I would suggest that I am more than qualified to comment on the safe (or unsafe) use of the trails. The letter writer hit the nail on the head.
Almost every day that I am on the trail, I am surprised or threatened by the speedy unannounced passing from behind of a regular bike rider (the “spandex crowd”) at speeds over 20 kph. I have yet to encounter the same threat from an e-bike rider!
So few riders use their bell/horn to give warning of their approach ... what are they thinking? And what was the Town of Midland thinking, arbitrarily and without any consultation or communication with the local community — as far as I can tell — posting these restrictions?
The speed limit is absolutely fine, but banning e-bikes is completely idiotic! The signs must be changed immediately.
Steve Rowe
Midland
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