Why Steinbach has no bylaws for e-scooters and e-bikes

As e-bikes and e-scooters become more common in Steinbach, questions continue to surface about whether the city needs bylaws to regulate them. According to City Councillor Jac Siemens, the issue is less about creating rules and more about enforcing them safely and effectively. 

Siemens says cyclists and e-bike riders are already expected to follow the same rules as motorists under Manitoba’s Highway Traffic Act. 

“You stop at stop signs, not allowed to roll through,” he says. “You have the same rules and you ride on the right side. You respect the same traffic rules.” 

He says many of the frustrations between motorists and cyclists stem from unpredictability, especially when cyclists don't use hand signals.

“The person driving the car doesn’t know what to expect from that cyclist,” Siemens explains. “That’s often the problem and that’s where the conflict is.”

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Enforcement remains a challenge 

While the city could introduce bylaws governing speeds on pathways or sidewalks, Siemens says it's not a simple solution. 

“The rules are easy to make; the enforcement is what’s difficult.”

He notes the growing popularity of electric scooters has added another layer of concern, particularly because they are quiet and can surprise pedestrians. 

“Nobody hears them coming,” Siemens says of scooters. 

Rather than focusing solely on bylaws, Siemens believes infrastructure improvements may provide a better long-term solution.

“We need to redesign pathways as new pathways are being built,” he says. “We need to design them so that they accommodate bikes on one side and walking on another.”

No immediate push for dedicated bike lanes 

Siemens says he does not believe Steinbach is currently ready for widespread dedicated bike lanes. 

“Our roads are too narrow in most cases for us to accommodate that.” 

He adds that narrowing roads further to create bike lanes could frustrate drivers. 

Instead, Siemens says the city should continue expanding its “Share the Road” approach, which includes roadway symbols reminding both cyclists and drivers to be mindful of one another. 

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Provincial leadership needed 

Siemens says municipalities across Manitoba are having similar discussions about how to manage e-bikes and scooters safely. He believes stronger direction from the province will eventually be necessary. 

He points to existing federal regulations limiting e-bikes to assisted speeds of 32 kilometres per hour. However, Siemens says that speed can still feel excessive. 

“That’s very fast on a pathway,” he says.

Education key to safety 

Siemens says education may ultimately be more effective than additional regulations. He recalls bicycle safety rodeos previously run through schools in partnership with the RCMP and community groups. 

“[Students] were taught the rules of the road,” he says. “They were taught how to ride a bike correctly, how to be safe on a bike, how to signal.”

He also stresses the importance of helmets, visibility and awareness. 

“The more visible you are, the safer you’re going to be,” Siemens says.

He adds that cyclists should avoid distractions such as headphones while riding. 

“You need to hear the traffic coming up around you,” he says. 

For now, Siemens says safety on Steinbach’s pathways and roads will depend largely on riders, pedestrians and drivers sharing responsibility and remaining aware of one another.