The scale of nuisance created by the use of motorized vehicles along Bowmanville Creek and Bowmanville Valley trail systems has prompted Clarington to move to deter their use in these areas.
Bowmanville Creek and Bowmanville Valley trail system is an important recreational and active transportation corridor used by residents, families, walkers, runners, cyclists, people using mobility devices, and community groups.
Clarington’s Planning and Development Committee heard on June 15 that residents have raised concerns about non-permitted motorized use of the trail system, including dirt bikes, mini e-cars, e-vehicles and other motorized vehicles.
Safety Risks
These may create safety risks, damage trail surfaces, disturb natural areas, and undermine the safe enjoyment of the trail by permitted users, said a resolution.
It noted that any physical deterrent to non-permitted motorized use must be carefully designed so that it does not restrict accessibility for people using wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walkers, strollers, adaptive bikes, or other permitted mobility and accessibility devices.
The meeting looked at options such as accessible bollards, staggered bollards, removable bollards, chicanes, signage, education, and enforcement that may help deter non-permitted motorized use while maintaining access for permitted users.
It also noted that the municipality should consider any solution in consultation with residents, accessibility considerations, trail users, community partners, and enforcement staff.
The resolution that was carried 7:0 included the following actions:
- Staff be directed to investigate options to deter non-permitted motorized use on the Bowmanville Creek/Bowmanville Valley trail system, including but not limited to dirt bikes, mini e-cars, e-vehicles and other unauthorized motorized vehicles;
- Staff be directed to assess potential deterrents including accessible bollards, staggered bollards, removable or lockable bollards, chicanes, improved signage, education, and by-law enforcement approaches;
- Staff be directed to ensure that any recommended option maintains accessibility for permitted uses, including pedestrians, cyclists, people using wheelchairs, mobility scooters, walkers, strollers, adaptive bikes, and other mobility or accessibility devices;
- Staff be directed to consult with Valleys 2000, the appropriate active transportation advisory committee, accessibility staff or the Accessibility Advisory Committee as appropriate, Municipal Law Enforcement, Operations staff, and affected residents and trail users;
- Staff be directed to identify the locations within the Bowmanville Creek/Bowmanville Valley trail system where non-permitted motorized use has been reported or is most likely to occur;
- Staff be directed to report back to council with recommended options, estimated costs, accessibility considerations, enforcement considerations, and any required approvals or operational impacts; and
- Staff be directed to include in the report any quick, low-cost interim measures that could be taken in advance of a longer-term solution.