HomeMy WebLinkAboutDSD-2022-254 - Micromobility By-law and Shared Program Implementation Plan
Development Services Department www.kitchener.ca
REPORT TO: Community and Infrastructure Services Committee
DATE OF MEETING: June 13, 2022
SUBMITTED BY: Barry Cronkite, Director, Transportation Services, 519-741-2200 ext.
7738
PREPARED BY: Ivan J Balaban, Active Transportation Planning Project Manager,
519-741-2200 ext. 7302
WARD(S) INVOLVED: All Wards
DATE OF REPORT: April 19, 2022
REPORT NO.: DSD-2022-254
SUBJECT: Micromobility By-law and Shared Program Implementation Plan
RECOMMENDATION:
That the General Manager of Development Services be authorized to execute a
memorandum of agreement with the Region of Waterloo, and the cities of Waterloo
and Cambridge, to formalize their respective roles and other agreements or
amendments in relation to the Shared Micromobility Program, said agreements
subject to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor; and,
That the General Manager of Development Services be authorized to execute a licence
agreement between the selected service provider, the Region of Waterloo, the City of
Kitchener, the City of Waterloo, and the City of Cambridge; and,
That any Multi-use Trail beyond the municipal rights-of-way excluding unsurfaced
trails such as granular and dirt trails under the ownership and/or operation of the City
of Kitchener be designated to permit the use of electric kick scooters; and,
That the attached bylaw changes be enacted to support the use of e-scooters in the
City; and further,
That the Traffic and Parking By-Law be amended accordingly.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
The purpose of this report is to inform council of implementation planning being led by
The Region of Waterloo for the establishment of commercial bike, e-bike, and e-scooter
share operations; to receive authorization to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement
with the Region and the cities of Waterloo and Cambridge; and to update the City of
Kitchener (The City) Traffic and Parking bylaw to permit the use of e-scooters on
certain city streets and trails.
*** This information is available in accessible formats upon request. ***
Please call 519-741-2345 or TTY 1-866-969-9994 for assistance.
The key finding of this report isthat the Region of Waterloo, City of Waterloo, and City
of Cambridge, together with the City of Kitchener are coordinated in supporting people-
friendly transportation by working to bring micromobility transportation options to the
Region.
There are no financial implications for The City as a result of this program. The program
is being administered by the Region and is intended to have a net-zero financial impact,
as fees collected from the Operator will be used to cover the cost of the program.
Community engagement included a joint public consultation program launched in early
2021 through the Regiondetailed in TTES-
TRS-21-01). The public consultation program on Engage Waterloo Region received
media attention and was highlighted through local news in all three cities. The online
survey was available from January 13, 2021 to February 1, 2021, and resulted in 1,439
survey participants.
This report supports People-friendly Transportation by developing and subsidizing a
regional bikeshare and micromobility program.
BACKGROUND:
On November 6, 2019 The Ministry of Transportation passed Ontario Regulation 389/19:
PILOT PROJECT - ELECTRIC KICK-SCOOTERS, that allows municipalities to permit the
use of e-scooters on roads under their jurisdiction, and through by-law to set restrictions on
such operation. The City of Kitchener already has a number of documents that support the
provinc-2022), Cycling and Trails
Master Plan, and Complete Streets Guidelines. These documents support and provide
guidance for the implementation of bikeshare and micromobility (e-scooter) programs.
Accordingly, staff have been investigating project launch options with the Region of
On May 5, 2020, Region of Waterloo staff presented a micromobility update report to
Regional Council (TES-TRS-20-14). The report provided an overview of recommended
actions received from Alta Planning + Design for implementing shared micromobility
solutions throughout the Region. Since that time, Region and City staff have continued their
work with the Shared Micromobility Project Team to develop a shared micromobility
-scooter
providers. Regional staff also retained the consulting services of Alta Planning + Design on
a follow-up assignment (to the 2020 Shared Micromobility Feasibility Study) to support the
development of the micromobility program implementation plan.
REPORT:
With the approval of Regional reports TES-TRS-22-06 and TES-TRS-22-07 (attachment B
and C) at Regional Council on April 12, 2022, the next step in implementing a commercial
bikeshare and e-scooter share system in the region is for the Cities of Kitchener, Cambridge,
and Waterloo to pass companion reports, permitting the use of e-scooters on City roads with
speed limits of 50 km/h or less, select multi-use trails, and reserved bike lanes This
coordinated approach will permit legal use of e-scooters on public road and trail allowances
throughout Kitchener (where safe to do so) regardless of roadway jurisdiction.
In order to facilitate the use of the E-scooters on public rights-of way, the Traffic and Parking
By-law must first be updated (attached). All the permissions are considered temporary and
shall be enacted for the duration permitted by Ontario Regulation 389/19: PILOT PROJECT
- ELECTRIC KICK-SCOOTERS. Should the provincial pilot be extended or become
permanent, changes to the traffic control by-law would remain.
Additionally, Regional staff are also leading a joint Request for Proposal (RFP) competitive
process with municipal partners to allow commercial shared micromobility operators to
submit their business plans and compete to be the single provider in the Cities of Cambridge,
Kitchener, and Waterloo, subject to the approval of this report. Accordingly, w
approval, the City will enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Region of Waterloo,
The City of Waterloo, and the City of Cambridge, to permit the Region of Waterloo to lead
and administer the shared Micromobility contract on behalf of the Region and three Cities.
TES-TRS-22-07 Micromobility Shared Program Implementation Plan (Attachment C).
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This report supports People-friendly Transportation by developing and
subsidizing a bikeshare program. Approval of this report enables the
completion of one of the People-friendly Transportation Strategic projects:
encourage and incentivize alternative modes of transportation by developing
and subsidizing a bikeshare program.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
Capital Budget The recommendation has no impact on the Capital Budget. The Region of
Waterloo will administer the program, which is expected to have a net-zero financial impact.
Operating Budget The recommendation has no direct impact on the Operating Budget.
However, staff are aware that current legislative requirements, on which maintenance
standards are developed, do not address the needs of this form of transportation. Should
this form of transportation become more widely adopted, the legislated maintenance
requirements may result in the need for higher levels of proactive maintenance. Changes to
legislation and maintenance requirements will be reviewed by staff to assess impacts to the
operating budget.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
INFORM
the council / committee meeting.
CONSULT The Region solicited public feedback regarding where to allow e-scooters to
operate through a survey conducted on engageWR in 2021, as detailed in Regional Report
TES-TRS-21-01
COLLABORATE The Region of Waterloo, the City of Kitchener, and the Cities of Waterloo
and Cambridge have worked together on this project to ensure a seamless user experience
throughout all three cities. Collaboration on this project extends beyond the project team to
include members of various departments from all four organizations.
PREVIOUS REPORTS/AUTHORITIES:
Cycling and Trails Master Plan
Complete Streets Kitchener
Region of Waterloo Shared Micromobility Feasibility Study April 2020
APPROVED BY: Justin Readman, General Manager, Development Services Division
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A By-law Amendment
Attachment B TES-TRS-22-06, Micromobility E-scooter Traffic and Parking By-
law Updates
Attachment C TES-TRS-22-07 Micromobility Shared Program Implementation
Plan
BY-LAW NUMBER ______
OF THE
CORPORATION OF THE CITY OF KITCHENER
(Being a by-law to further amend By-law 2019-113, to regulate traffic
and parking on highways under the jurisdiction of the City of
Kitchener)
Whereas Ontario Regulation 389/19 of Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O.
1990, c. H.8, as amended, provides that no person shall operate an
electric kick-scooter on a highway, sidewalk, trail, path or walkway or
in a public park or exhibition ground under the jurisdiction of a
municipality unless such operation is permitted by and in
accordance with a municipal by-law;
And Whereas it is the desire of The City of Kitchener to permit
persons to operate an electric kick-scooter on certain portions of
highways that are under the jurisdiction of The City of Kitchener;
NOW THEREFORE the Council of The Corporation of the City of
Kitchener enacts as follows:
1. Part II of By-law 2019-113, as amended, is hereby amended by adding the following
definition thereto:
e-scooter electric kick-
389/19 of the Highway Traffic Act
2. Part IV Section 2 of By-law 2019-113, as amended, is hereby further amended by adding
the following:
g) E-Scooters
1) a) Subject to subsection b) of this section, a person is permitted to operate an e-
scooter on the following portions of a highway:
i. A Multi-use Trail;
ii. A Bicycle Lane;
iii. A Reserved Lane;
iv. The shoulder of a highway with a posted rate of speed of 50
kilometers per hour or less if the highway has no Bicycle Lane or
Reserved Lane; and
v. The roadway of a highway with a posted rate of speed of 50
kilometers per hours or less if the highway has no Bicycle Lane,
Reserved Lane or shoulder.
b) Subsection a) of this section shall not apply if an authorized sign is posted on
a Multi-use Trail, Bicycle Lane, Reserved Lane, shoulder or roadway that e-
scooters are not permitted.
2) Where Bicycle Lanes and Reserved Lanes are not provided on a highway with a
posted rate of speed of 50 kilometers per hours or less, the operator of an e-
scooter shall:
a) if there is a shoulder on the highway, stay on the shoulder as close to the right
edge of the shoulder as possible; and
b) if there is no shoulder on the highway, stay on the right side of the roadway as
close to the edge of the roadway as possible.
3) No person shall:
a. operate an e-scooter on a highway except in compliance with Part IV Section
2 subsection g) 1);
b. operate an e-scooter on a highway without wearing a helmet and chin strap;
c. operate an e-scooter on a sidewalk except to cross;
d. operate an e-scooter on a Multi-use Trail at a speed that is markedly greater
than the speed of the pedestrians who are proximate to the e-scooter;
e. operate an e-scooter at a bus stop, transit station or light rail transit platform
that is on or adjacent to a highway;
f. operate, stop or leave an e-scooter on any railway track, light rail transit track
or other area designated with an authorized sign or marking for light rail
transit vehicles;
g. leave an e-scooter in a location on a highway, including a sidewalk, that is
intended for the passage of vehicles or pedestrians;
h. operate an e-scooter on any section of a Multi-use Trail, Bicycle Lane,
Reserved Lane, or roadway that is unpaved and/or closed for maintenance,
construction, or emergency reasons; or
i. use an e-scooter for commercial use unless authorized by the Director,
Transportation Services or designate.
4) The operator of an e-scooter shall:
a. keep a safe distance from pedestrians and other users of the highway where
the e-scooter is permitted pursuant to Part IV Section 2 subsection g) 1) at all
times; and
b. give way to a pedestrian or bicycle by slowing or stopping, as necessary,
where there is insufficient space for the pedestrian or bicycle and the e-
PASSED at the Council Chambers in the City of Kitchener this day
of , A.D. 2022.
_____________________________________
Mayor
_____________________________________
Cler k
Report: TES-TRS-22-06
Region of Waterloo
Transportation and Environmental Services
Transit Services / Transportation
To: Chair Tom Galloway and Members of the Planning and Works
Committee
Meeting Date: April 12, 2022
Report Title: Micromobility E-scooter Traffic and Parking By-law Updates
1. Recommendation:
That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo amend Traffic and Parking By-law 16-023, as
amended, to add the definition and provisions for the use of electric kick--
as described in Appendix A of Report TES-TRS-22-06, dated April 12, 2022, with an effective
date of July 1, 2022.
2. Purpose / Issue:
-law to permit e-
scooters on all Regional Roads 50 km/h or less, and all Regional Roads with boulevard multi-
use paths and/or reserved bike lanes in response to e-scooter
pilot program. Helmets are proposed to be mandatory for all riders, regardless of age.
This is a companion report to Report TES-TRS-22-07 that outlines the implementation plan
for launching a shared micromobility system (e.g., bike share, e-scooter share). Subject to
approval of these reports, e-scooters will be permitted locally and considered eligible fleet
vehicles that can be part of a commercial shared system alongside bike share.
3. Strategic Plan:
Supporting the introduction of low energy micromobility options and programs that can be
Transportation) of th-2023 Strategic Plan. This work is also a Strategic Action
of the TransformWR plan (Action 1.3.1: Launch Micromobility Systems), and supports
4. Key Considerations:
a) Micromobility Feasibility Study recommendations and Ontario e-scooter pilot
In May 2020, the micromobility project team consisting of staff from the Region and Cities of
Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo received a feasibility study with recommendations for
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April 12, 2022 Report: TES-TRS-22-06
implementing a shared micromobility system for bikes, e-bikes, and e-scooters in Waterloo
Region (TES-TRS-20-14).
An initial step of the implementation plan required the Region and Cities to determine if and
where people are permitted to ride e--year e-
scooter pilot program. Effective January 2020, the pilot program set out vehicle and rider
requirements and allows municipalities to choose to permit e-scooters locally.
b) E-scooter public engagement program and survey results
The project team prepared a Preliminary Preferred Option (permit e-scooters on recreational
multi-use trails and boulevard multi-use paths, all roads with reserved bike lanes, and any
road 50 km/h or less) after consulting with municipal partners and other stakeholders on the
-Municipal Partnership on Active
Transportation (IMPAcT), and Active Transportation Advisory Committee (ATAC). Staff also
prepared four alternative e-scooter permission options that were presented alongside the
preferred option for public review (Appendix B).
A joint public consultation program launched in early 2021 through the Region
-TRS-21-01). The public consultation program on Engage Waterloo
Region received considerable media attention and was highlighted in radio programs and
local news in all three cities.
The online survey was available from January 13 to February 1, 2021, and resulted in 1,439
survey participants. A summary report exported from the EngageWR platform is provided in
e below:
Approximately 54% of the 1,439 respondents supported the Preliminary Preferred
Option, and 42% did not.
o However, when asked to rank the five options presented, not permitting (i.e.,
banning) e-scooters was scored as the least favourite option overall (the
Preliminary Preferred Option scored as the most favourite option).
Top themes from open-ended responses among those who supported the Preliminary
ts
e-scooters similar to bikes a convenient alternative to car travel
and/or car
There was a general concern about safety and improper use (118 mentions) among
those who did not support the Preliminary Preferred Option, but no clear preferred
alternative for if/where to permit e-scooters.
o For example, open-ended response analysis found some respondents preferred
--use
-scooters "tre
(63).
Approximately 46% of all respondents reported that they had previously ridden an e-
3730856 Page 2 of 6
April 12, 2022 Report: TES-TRS-22-06
scooter.
o Respondents who had previously ridden an e-scooter were more likely to
support the Preliminary Preferred Option.
primary mode(s) of travel did not appear to be a decision factor.
o For example, respondents that could be considered a cyclist, motorist, etc. were
no more or less likely to support or oppose to the Preferred Option.
Past e-scooter experience appears to be the most influential factor for support of the
Preliminary Preferred Option.
Approximately 67% of all respondents think the Region and Cities should permit
commercial e-scooter rentals (e-scooter share) in Waterloo Region.
c) Traffic and Parking By-law recommendations for e-scooters
Based on the results of the public consultation program, staff, in concurrence with the project
team and inter-municipal Traffic Coordinating Committee, recommend proceeding with the
Preliminary Preferred Option and amending -law accordingly.
Recommended updates are provided in Appendix A and include a new definition and section
for e-scooters. This section includes provisions to permit e-scooters on all Regional Roads 50
km/h or less, and all Regional Roads with reserved bike lanes and/or boulevard multi-use
paths (defined as multi-use trails in the by-law).
Specific e-scooter provisions (e.g., no sidewalk riding, speed etiquette for multi-use trails and
paths, parking restrictions, etc.) are also detailed in this proposed section of the by-law. Police
Services representatives informed the project team that they have limited capacity to routinely
enforce activities on the active transportation network. However, the intent of these by-law
provisions are to provide officers with appropriate direction and authority when they must
respond to a specific issue. Similarly, the proposed by-law updates are intended to provide a
framework for enforcing compliance among users of any commercial shared micromobility
system. With most e-scooter activity anticipated to be related to the launch of a commercial
shared system, the proposed by-law provisions will be translated into contract requirements
for the successful operator. It is anticipated that this will encourage greater commitment from
the commercial operator to manage rider behaviours and provide rider education, skill-
building, and etiquette initiatives. A recent Ryerson University research paper on emerging
best practices for e-scooter policy in North America found that it is increasingly common for
municipalities to apply penalties to system operators for non-compliance or poor response
times related to the key issues described below and in the proposed by-law provisions.
Helmets are proposed to be mandatory for all e-scooter riders, regardless of age, based on
emerging e-scooter injury literature compiled by Public Health Ontario. Commercial shared
micromobility system operators approach helmet access differently, but publicly available
information suggests they have been able to deliver innovative solutions to serve markets
with similar mandatory helmet requirements.
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April 12, 2022 Report: TES-TRS-22-06
Staff are of the opinion that the Preliminary Preferred Option and proposed conditions like
mandatory helmet use -scooters in Waterloo
Region in response to the MTO pilot. This approach capitalizes on the active transportation
investments made by the Region and Cities, and discourages use of e-scooters on higher
speed corridors without active transportation facilities (e-
km/h under Ontario Regulation 389/19). This option provides an optimal network for the
current duration of the MTO pilot, the type and location of most anticipated trips, and the
identified service areas for a commercial shared system. In many areas, riders will have the
opportunity to choose alternative route options based on their level of comfort and skill with
this new type of vehicle.
As described in the Shared Micromobility Implementation Plan report (TES-TRS-22-07), staff
plan to monitor travel patterns, parking behaviours, and critical incidents (e.g., collisions,
injuries, etc.) through shared system reports and trip data, and ongoing collaboration with
TCC, Police Services, and Public Health and Emergency Services. This information will help
staff determine the scope of any necessary modifications to existing transportation operations
and maintenance programs to better support micromobility vehicles, which could lead to
future revisions to e-scooter permissions and/or posting e-scooter restrictions on specific
corridors based on their condition.
d) Power-assisted bicycles (e-bikes)
This report does not recommend any amendments to e-bike permissions at this time.
The provincial government recently announced a redefinition of e-bikes into three classes
(bicycle-style, moped, and motorcycle-style) as part of the 2021 Moving Ontarians More
Safely (MOMS) Act. However, the MTO has advised staff that technical and regulatory
elements of this redefinition are under review and that the changes outlined as part of the
MOMS Act will not be implemented until a future announcement is made.
Currently, no type of e-bike is permitted on multi-use trails under the Traffic and Parking By-
Law, but the province permits all e-bikes under 120 kg on roadways (to a maximum speed of
32 km/h). Staff anticipate that, in order to integrate certain types of e-bikes and cargo e-bikes
into a shared micromobility system, a separate public consultation program will be required to
prepare Traffic and Parking By-law recommendations following -bike
reclassification.
5. Background:
This report builds upon the previous micromobility program updates submitted to Regional
Council, which include the 2018/2019 bike share pilot with Drop Mobility (TES-TRS-18-11),
2019/2020 Micromobility Feasibility Study with Alta Planning + Design (TES-TRS-20-14), and
2021 e-scooter public consultation plan (TES-TRS-21-01).
6. Area Municipality Communication and Public/Stakeholder Engagement:
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April 12, 2022 Report: TES-TRS-22-06
Transportation staff from the Region of Waterloo and Cities of Cambridge, Kitchener, and
Waterloo comprise the core project team that coordinated the Drop Mobility bike share pilot,
the development of the micromobility feasibility study, the e-scooter public consultation, and
the recommended Traffic and Parking By-law amendments. Township staff (consulted
through TCC) report that they do not anticipate demand for e-scooters in their communities
initially, but will continue to monitor the project tewill respond with local
updates and participate in the planned shared system as needed.
Regional and Area Municipal staff have been regularly updated and provide input on the
micromobility program through TCC, IMPAcT, and leadership updates. The TCC consists of
transportation staff from the Region, Police Services, and the seven Area Municipalities.
IMPAcT consists of staff from the Region, Public Health, Police Services, Cities, post-
secondary institutions, Student Transportation Services, CAA, and MTO.
ATAC, the Grand River Accessibility Advisory Committee (GRAAC), Cambridge Accessibility
have been informed of the e-scooter public consultation program, survey findings, and the
did not table a motion to endorse the Preliminary Preferred Option, and support varied among
members of ATAC and City committees. A full summary of feedback and concerns received
from the advisory committees is presented in Appendix D with staff responses.
Major themes raised by advisory committees include concern over fast e-scooter riders
mixing with other multi-use trail users, sidewalk riding, and improper vehicle parking. The
proposed amendments to the Traffic and Parking By-law help address many of these
concerns, and these will be priority items that any system operator must be equipped to
manage (since the project team anticipates most e-scooter activity will be related to the
launch of a shared system). Staff have procured a tool to assist with system development and
performance monitoring. This tool allows -
operators for non-compliance if required.
The project team also held a series of workshops with advisory committee members, industry
representatives, and Region/City staff in September 2021 to prepare expected system
features and requirements for shared systems to mitigate concerns, and develop a strategy to
enforce compliance among commercial shared system operator(s). Details are presented in
the Shared Micromobility Implementation Plan companion report (TES-TRS-22-07).
7. Financial Implications:
provision of
$85,000 for the launch of a shared micromobility system (as described in TES-TRS-22-07),
offset by an estimated $85,000 in fees to be collected from the operator resulting in a net zero
impact to the GRT budget. Staff plan to monitor and report on any financial impacts associated
with the operation and maintenance of roads, active transportation facilities, or the shared
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April 12, 2022 Report: TES-TRS-22-06
micromobility system through future micromobility program update reports to Regional Council.
8. Conclusion / Next Steps:
If approved, Traffic and Parking By-law updates described in this report would come into
effect July 1, 2022, and staff plan to apply to the Ontario Court of Justice for set fine approval
for the amendments to the Traffic and Parking Bylaw. The City representatives on the project
team will prepare similar bylaw update recommendations for area municipal highways and
park trails to permit e-scooters based on the Preliminary Preferred Option. Local
municipalities may choose to restrict e-scooters on certain trails, parks, and/or other public
spaces based on their condition.
Subject to approval of this report, e-scooters will be considered eligible fleet vehicles that can
be part of a commercial shared system as described in the Shared Micromobility
Implementation Plan (TES-TRS-22-07).
Attachments / Links:
Appendix A. Recommended Amendments to Traffic and Parking By-law 16-023 (3996237)
Appendix B: E-scooter Permission Options (EngageWR Public Consultation) (3996252)
Appendix C: E-scooter Public Consultation Survey Report (EngageWR Export) (3996255)
Appendix D: Summary of Advisory Committee Meetings and Staff Responses (3996259)
Prepared By: Kevan Marshall, Principal Planner, Transportation Demand Management
John Cicuttin, Manager, Transit Development
Bob Henderson, Manager, Transportation Engineering
Reviewed By: Neil Malcolm, Acting Director, Transit Services
Steve van De Keere, Director, Transportation
Approved By: Thomas Schmidt, Commissioner, Transportation and Environmental Services
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Report: TES-TRS-22-06
Appendix A: Recommended Amendments to Traffic and Parking By-law 16-023
By-Law Number 22-XXX
of
The Regional Municipality of Waterloo
A By-law to Amend the Traffic and Parking By-law to Permit Electric Kick-Scooters on Certain
Highways Under the Jurisdiction of The Regional Municipality of Waterloo
Whereas Ontario Regulation 389/19 of Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. H.8, as
amended, provides that no person shall operate an electric kick-scooter on a highway,
sidewalk, trail, path or walkway or in a public park or exhibition ground under the jurisdiction
of a municipality unless such operation is permitted by and in accordance with a municipal by-
law;
And Whereas it is the desire of The Regional Municipality of Waterloo to permit persons to
operate an electric kick-scooter on certain portions of highways that are under the jurisdiction
of The Regional Municipality of Waterloo;
Now therefore, the Council of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo enacts as follows:
1) The Traffic and Parking By-law is amended by adding section 11.1 to Part II, Definitions,
as follows:
--
2) The Traffic and Parking By-law is amended by adding a new Part XIX.2 E-Scooters, as
follows:
Part XIX.2 E-Scooters
1. a) Subject to subsection b) of this section, a person is permitted to operate an e-
scooter on the following portions of a highway:
i) A multi-use trail;
ii) A cycling lane;
iii) A reserved lane;
iv) The shoulder of a highway with a posted rate of speed of 50 kilometers
per hour or less if the highway has no cycling lane or reserved lane; and
v) The roadway of a highway with a posted rate of speed of 50 kilometers
per hours or less if the highway has no cycling lane, reserved lane or
shoulder.
b) Subsection a) of this section shall not apply if an authorized sign is posted on
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April 12, 2022 Report: TES-TRS-22-06
a multi-use trail, cycling lane, reserved lane, shoulder or roadway that e-scooters
are not permitted.
2. Where cycling lanes and reserved lanes are not provided on a highway with a
posted rate of speed of 50 kilometers per hours or less, the operator of an e-
scooter shall,
a) if there is a shoulder on the highway, stay on the shoulder as close to the right
edge of the shoulder as possible; and
b) if there is no shoulder on the highway, stay on the right side of the roadway as
close to the edge of the roadway as possible.
3. No person shall:
a) operate an e-scooter on a highway except in compliance with section 1 of
this Part;
b) operate an e-scooter on a highway without wearing a helmet and chin strap;
c) operate an e-scooter on a sidewalk except to cross;
d) operate an e-scooter on a multi-use trail at a speed that is markedly greater
than the speed of the pedestrians who are proximate to the e-scooter;
e) operate an e-scooter at a bus stop, transit station or light rail transit platform
that is on or adjacent to a highway;
f) operate, stop or leave an e-scooter on any railway track, light rail transit
track or other area designated with an authorized sign or marking for light rail
transit vehicles;
g) leave an e-scooter in a location on a highway, including a sidewalk, that is
intended for the passage of vehicles or pedestrians;
h) operate an e-scooter on any section of a multi-use trail, cycling lane,
reserved lane, or roadway that is unpaved and/or closed for maintenance,
construction, or emergency reasons; or
i) use an e-scooter for commercial use unless authorized by the
Commissioner.
4. The operator of an e-scooter shall:
a) keep a safe distance from pedestrians and other users of the highway where
the e-scooter is permitted pursuant to section 1 of this Part at all times; and
b) give way to a pedestrian or bicycle by slowing or stopping, as necessary,
where there is insufficient space for the pedestrian or bicycle and the e-
scooter to pass
3) This By-law shall come into effect on July 1, 2022.
By-law read a first, second and third time and finally passed in the Council
Chambers in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo this day of , A.D., 2022.
_______________________ _______________________
Regional Clerk Regional Chair
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April 12, 2022 Report: TES-TRS-22-06
Appendix B: E-scooter Permission Options (EngageWR Public Consultation)
Option # Description
1
Do not permit e-scooters in Waterloo Region
Current condition (e-scooters are only permitted on privately-owned lands)
2
Permit e-scooters on:
o Trails and multi-use paths
3
Permit e-scooters on:
o Trails and multi-use paths; and
o All roads with reserved bike lanes
4 Preliminary Preferred Option
Permit e-scooters on:
o Trails and multi-use paths;
o All roads with reserved bike lanes; and
o Any road 50km/hr or less
5
Permit e-scooters anywhere a bike can go:
o Trails and multi-use paths;
o All roads with reserved bike lanes; and
o Any other road (except controlled-access highways)
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Appendix C: E-scooter Public Consultation Survey Report (EngageWR Export)
Note: this report includes charts generated by Engage Waterloo Region (EngageWR
are presented as images in this report. Staff have prepared the text descriptions of the results
above each image for improved accessibility.
Survey Response Report:
12 January 2021 - 02 February 2021
Project Name:
Public Consultation Survey: Where should people be allowed to ride e-scooters in Waterloo
Region?
Question 1: Do you support staff's preliminary preferred option for where e-scooters should
be allowed to ride in Waterloo Region?
Preliminary Preferred Option (Option 4).
Permit e-scooters on:
Trails and multi-use paths;
All roads with reserved bike lanes; and
Any road 50km/hr or less
Results: Yes (54.1%); No (41.6%); Unsure (4.3%)
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Question 2: Please rank all options for permitting e-scooters in Waterloo Region. (1=most
favourite option, 5= least favourite option)
Average Rank
Options
Results
Permit e-scooters trails and multi-use paths, all roads with reserved
2.31
bike lanes, and any road 50km/hr or less
Permit e-scooters on trails and multi-use paths, and all roads with 2.46
reserved bike lanes
Permit e-scooters anywhere a bike can go (i.e., bike lanes, trails, 3.00
and multi-use paths, all roads except controlled-access highways)
Permit e-scooters on trails and multi-use paths 3.07
Do not permit e-scooters in Waterloo Region 3.93
Question 3: Do you think the Region and Cities should permit e-scooter rental companies
(scooter share) to operate in Waterloo Region?
Results: Yes (67.1%); No (21.8%); Unsure (11.1%)
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Question 4: How do you typically travel around Waterloo Region? Please select the mode(s)
of transportation that you use regularly (i.e., almost daily) for most of your trips.
Note: If the COVID-19 pandemic has temporarily impacted your transportation choices and
how you travel, please select the mode(s) of transportation you plan to use most over the next
1-2 years.
Results:
Walk/Run/Assisted-Mobility Device: 765
Bike: 562
Transit (GRT buses and ION light rail): 344
Carpool (driver or passenger): 334
Drive alone (including motorcycle): 1070
Taxi / rideshare (e.g., Uber, Lyft, etc.): 135
Other: 52
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Question 5: Have you ever ridden an e-scooter before?
Results: Yes (45.7%); No (54.3%)
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Question 6: Do you own (or plan to purchase) an e-scooter for personal use?
Results: Yes (17.9%); No (82.1%)
Question 7: What type of trips do you think you would take on an e-scooter? Select all that
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apply if you plan to own or rent an e-scooter.
Results:
I will not take a trip on an e-scooter: 559
Trips to/from transit stops and stations: 367
Trips to/from work: 381
Trips to/from school: 157
Trips to/from grocery store or other businesses for shopping/errands: 472
Trips for fun / recreation / exploration: 765
Other: 48
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Question 8: If you were to use an e-scooter, what mode of transportation would it likely
replace? Select all that apply if you plan to own or rent an e-scooter.
Results:
I will not take a trip on an e-scooter: 505
Replace some trips I would usually make by walking/running/using an assisted-mobility
device: 445
Replace some trips I would usually make by bike: 372
Replace some trips I would usually make by taking transit (GRT buses / ION light rail):
252
Replace some trips I would usually make by carpooling (driver or passenger): 142
Replace some trips I would usually make by driving alone (including motorcycle): 503
Replace some trips I would usually make by taking a taxi / rideshare (e.g., Uber, Lyft,
etc.): 207
Other (please specify): 58
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Question 9: If the Region and Cities permitted e-scooter rental companies to operate locally,
how likely are you to "rent" an e-scooter at least once?
Results:
I will not rent an e-scooter (36.5%)
I am unsure if I will rent an e-scooter (15.1%)
I will rent an e-scooter at least once (44.9%)
Other (3.5%)
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Question 10: How likely are you to "rent" an e-scooter regularly (e.g., 2 or more times per
week)?
Note: Question asked to those who reported that they would try an e-scooter at least once
(Question 9).
Results:
I will not rent an e-scooter regularly (I just want to try it once) (11.6%)
I am unsure if I will rent an e-scooter regularly (50.2%)
I will rent an e-scooter regularly (33.8%)
Other (4.5%)
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Question 11: Where do you live?
Results:
City of Cambridge (13.2%)
City of Kitchener (44.1%)
City of Waterloo (37.2%)
Township of North Dumfries (0.5%)
Township of Wellesley (0.6%)
Township of Wilmot (0.8%)
Township of Woolwich (1.8%)
Other (1.7%)
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Appendix D: Summary of Advisory Committee Meetings and Staff Responses
Advisory Decision(s) Summary of Staff Responses
Committee and in Meeting Comments and
Meeting Date(s) Minutes Feedback Received
in Meeting Re: E-
scooter
Permissions
Region of No Motion. 1. Maximum speed 1. Under the provincial
Waterloo Active pilot, e-
of e-scooters?
Transportation maximum speed is 24
2.
Advisory km/h, but can be further
Traffic and
Committee reduced by
Parking By-law
municipalities through
updates differ?
rental company
requirements and/or
(November 17, 3. How will
through future by-law
2020, January injuries/collisions
updates.
19, April 20, and be tracked?
June 15, 2021)
2. The City representatives
4. Concern with e-
on the project team
scooters on multi-
intend to coordinate by-
use trails and risk
law updates to match
of collision with
the Preferred Option in
pedestrians.
consideration of any
decisions from Regional
5. Request for
Council. The goal is
clarity on liability
consistency for riders
if e-scooter gets
wherever they are in the
in a collision with
community. Local
pedestrian and/or
municipalities will have
motorist.
the ability to restrict use
6. Request the
of e-scooters in certain
project team
areas at their discretion
through their respective
implementing e-
parks and traffic by-
scooter
laws. The City-Region
permissions and
project team is procuring
a shared system.
a system development
and performance
monitoring tool that will
allow staff to digitally
-
zones, that can be
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Advisory Decision(s) Summary of
Staff Responses
Committee and in Meeting Comments and
Feedback Received
Meeting Date(s) Minutes
in Meeting Re: E-
scooter
Permissions
monitored and used to
penalize system
operators for non-
compliance if required.
3. Public Health is aware of
the project
(representative on
IMPAcT). Due to
capacity issues caused
by the pandemic, the
project team has
primarily consulted with
the Southwest Ontario
Injury Prevention group,
which provided direction
as to how healthcare
providers can code e-
scooter injuries that
could be tracked in
collaboration with Public
Health. Rental
companies will be
required to share any
incidents that occur
through their operations.
4. Proposed etiquette
provisions for managing
speed on multi-use trails
is intended to avoid
high-speed collisions
between riders and
pedestrians. The ability
to implement further
vehicle speed reductions
will be a requirement of
any shared system and
can be programmed into
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Advisory Decision(s) Summary of
Staff Responses
Committee and in Meeting Comments and
Feedback Received
Meeting Date(s) Minutes
in Meeting Re: E-
scooter
Permissions
the vehicles.
5. The project team will
work with Legal Services
and Risk Management
teams to ensure any
system operators are
providing the necessary
coverage to protect the
riders, the public, and
the municipalities.
6. Feedback received.
Grand River No Motion. 1. Question what 1.
Accessibility was learned from
Advisory City of Waterloo zones need to be
considered. Better
Committee pilot?
utilization of geofencing
2. Members
and performance
generally do not
monitoring are critical
(April 22 and
want e-scooters
(project team procuring
June 24, 2021)
on shared paths
a performance
with pedestrians,
monitoring tool to
especially
monitor and penalize
boulevard multi-
system operators if
use trails.
required).
3. Question why the
2. Feedback received.
project team is
Proposed etiquette
recommending e-
provisions for managing
scooters if City of
speed on multi-use trails
Toronto banned
is intended to avoid
them?
high-speed collisions
between riders and
4. What will the
pedestrians. The ability
project team do if
to implement further
e-scooters are
vehicle speed reductions
permitted and
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Advisory Decision(s) Summary of
Staff Responses
Committee and in Meeting Comments and
Feedback Received
Meeting Date(s) Minutes
in Meeting Re: E-
scooter
Permissions
major issues are and/or restrict use on
reported? certain corridors will be
a requirement of any
shared system, and can
be programmed into the
vehicles
3. Sidewalk riding, speed,
improper vehicle parking
obstructing accessible
paths of travel,
insufficient
infrastructure, and
insurance/liability were
among the issues raised
in Toronto. Sidewalk
riding, speed
management, and
vehicle parking are
critical priorities for the
shared system (which is
anticipated to generate
most e-scooter trips).
Any potential system
operator must
demonstrate to the
project team that they
are equipped to manage
and enforce these
issues. The project team
will prepare a plan to
enforce by-law
compliance among
shared system
operator(s) and apply
penalties if needed.
Similarly, the project
team will work with
Legal Services and Risk
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Advisory Decision(s) Summary of
Staff Responses
Committee and in Meeting Comments and
Feedback Received
Meeting Date(s) Minutes
in Meeting Re: E-
scooter
Permissions
Management teams to
ensure any system
operators are providing
adequate coverage to
protect the riders, the
public, and the
municipalities.
The Region and Cities
have made significant
investments in dedicated
active transportation
infrastructure in our core
areas, and the
Preliminary Preferred
Option provides various
route choices to
discourage sidewalk
riding. However the
project team remains
committed to monitoring
sidewalk riding issues/
complaints. The City-
Region project team is
procuring a system
development and
performance monitoring
tool that will allow staff
-
sidewalks), that can be
monitored and used to
penalize system
operators for non-
compliance if required.
4. Staff will continue to
consult with GRAAC.
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Advisory Decision(s) Summary of
Staff Responses
Committee and in Meeting Comments and
Feedback Received
Meeting Date(s) Minutes
in Meeting Re: E-
scooter
Permissions
The project team could
recommend
discontinuing the shared
rental program and/or
revising by-laws to
further restrict / ban e-
scooters if major issues
are consistently
encountered and cannot
be resolved.
Cambridge No Motion. 1. Do not see many 1. Feedback received.
Cycling and e-scooters in
2. Staff intend to manage
Trails Advisory community, but
companies through
Preferred Option
Committee
contract with clear
requirements for
managing fleets. Staff
(May 13, 2021)
2. Request firm plan to monitor
approach to performance of
managing rental operators (and
companies, even potentially penalize)
though popularity through third-party
unknown. performance monitoring
application.
3. Concern re:
liability for 3. Local municipalities may
municipalities choose to restrict e-
because of the scooters on certain
design of the trails, parks, and/or
vehicle (i.e., if it other public spaces
falls on a stone based on their condition.
The project team will
dust trail).
work with Legal Services
and Risk Management
teams to ensure any
system operators are
providing the necessary
coverage to protect the
riders, the public, and
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Advisory Decision(s) Summary of
Staff Responses
Committee and in Meeting Comments and
Feedback Received
Meeting Date(s) Minutes
in Meeting Re: E-
scooter
Permissions
the municipalities.
Kitchener 1. Preferred Option 1. Staff are of the opinion
Cycling and principle hard to explain that the Preferred Option
Trails Advisory Option 5 because it is provides an optimal
Committee that would different than
permit e-where bikes can for the type and location
scooters go and could of most anticipated trips,
anywhere a restrict access to and permissions could
(May 11 and
bike can some be expanded in the
June 8, 2021)
future if the demand for
destinations.
e-scooters is strong and
(June 8, 2. What if Ontario
shared system ridership
2021) adjusts the pilot
data suggests network
program window?
gaps, and any safety
issues are manageable.
3. What if someone
is on a street over
2. There has not been any
50 km/h without
indication from the
bike lanes or
province, but staff intend
MUTs?
to align the local
program to the province.
4. Concern re:
project team is
3. The rider would
not embracing
expected to dismount
new technology
and walk the vehicle.
and restricting e-
scooters reduces 4. The Preferred Option
pressure for optimizes use of recent
municipalities to investments in active
build proper transportation
infrastructure on infrastructure
higher speed immediately. This
project/Preferred Option
roads.
will not impact the
5. How will
enforcement be
commitment to active
managed?
transportation
infrastructure
6. How will
investments. However,
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Advisory Decision(s) Summary of
Staff Responses
Committee and in Meeting Comments and
Feedback Received
Meeting Date(s) Minutes
in Meeting Re: E-
scooter
Permissions
education/training capital infrastructure
for multi-use trails projects along entire
corridors can take many
be approached?
years to fully complete.
5. Police Services is
tasked with responding,
but capacity is limited.
Intent is that the by-law
provisions will allow staff
to regulate and enforce
companies as much as
possible to ease
enforcement pressures
(shared system is
anticipated to generate
most e-scooter trips).
The City-Region project
team is procuring a
system development
and performance
monitoring tool that will
allow staff to digitally
-
zones (e.g., sidewalks),
that can be monitored
and used to penalize
system operators for
non-compliance if
required.
6. For personally-owned e-
scooters this will be
addressed through any
existing/planned trail
etiquette initiatives by
the Cities and Region.
Companies will be
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Advisory Decision(s) Summary of
Staff Responses
Committee and in Meeting Comments and
Feedback Received
Meeting Date(s) Minutes
in Meeting Re: E-
scooter
Permissions
required to provide
training to riders and
must be able to program
reduced vehicle speeds
on trails as required by
the project team.
Waterloo 1. Concern re: that 1. The by-law provisions
Advisory Option 4 during past City will speak to general
Committee on (Preferred of Waterloo e-permitted infrastructure
Active Option) for scooter pilot, a rider may use, but the
Transportation the boundaries were intent of the project team
permission never adhered to is to include supportive
of e-by riders using by-law provisions that
rental company e-will help staff further
(May 11 and
scooters. regulate rental
June 8, 2021)
(June 8,
2021) 2. What if there are
boundaries. Staff plan to
bike lanes and
monitor performance of
multi-use trail(s)
operators (and
in the same
potentially penalize)
roadway?
through third-party
performance monitoring
3. Are e-scooters
application.
allowed on transit
vehicles?
2. The e-scooter rider
would be able to choose
4. Concern re:
the infrastructure they
speed differential
are most comfortable
between e-
with, but bike lanes are
scooters,
intended for higher
pedestrians
speed travel.
(especially on
multi-use trails),
3. Staff recently updated
and cars.
GRT policies to permit
e-scooters that can be
5. What feedback
folded and held on
has been
board (grt.ca/bikes).
received from
This policy
accommodates most
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Advisory Decision(s) Summary of
Staff Responses
Committee and in Meeting Comments and
Feedback Received
Meeting Date(s) Minutes
in Meeting Re: E-
scooter
Permissions
personally-owned e-
Police Services?
scooters. E-scooter
companies are expected
to serve transit stops
and stations but not be
permitted on board.
4. Staff proposed etiquette
provisions for managing
speed on multi-use trails
is intended to avoid
high-speed collisions
between riders and
pedestrians, and will be
a requirement that can
be programmed into the
vehicles of any shared
system. Higher-speed e-
scooter riders are
required to use bike
lanes when present to
help avoid conflicts with
cars, and this is why
higher speed roadways
without infrastructure are
not permitted.
5. Feedback from Police
Services has primarily
been through
representatives on TCC,
IMPAcT, and joint
consultation with Legal
Services. Staff are
aware that Police
Services has limited
capacity to enforce
individual activities on
the active transportation
4071557 Version: 1
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Advisory Decision(s) Summary of
Staff Responses
Committee and in Meeting Comments and
Feedback Received
Meeting Date(s) Minutes
in Meeting Re: E-
scooter
Permissions
network. Police Services
representatives
expressed support for
rental companies any
way they can to help
manage rider
behaviours.
Workshops with Information 1. No additional 1. Recommendations for e-
representatives comments / scooter share will inform
gathering.
from GRAAC and feedback re: the plan for system
Cambridge permissions. launch and requirements
Accessibility Workshops for private operators
Advisory focused on (Micromobility Shared
Committee, recommendations Program Implementation
ATAC and Cfor shared system Plan report - TES-TRS-
active operator 22-07).
transportation
requirements.
advisory
committees
(September 8
and 9, 2021)
4071557 Version: 1
TES-TRS-22-07
Region of Waterloo
Transportation and Environmental Services
Transit Services
To: Chair Tom Galloway and Members of the Planning and Works
Committee
Meeting Date: April 12, 2022
Report Title: Micromobility Shared Program Implementation Plan
1. Recommendation:
That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo;
a) Approves the Shared Micromobility Implementation Plan in principle;
b) Authorize staff to issue a request for proposals, in coordination with the Cities
of Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, for a shared micromobility operator;
and
c) Authorize the Commissioner of TES to execute a memorandum of agreement
with the Cities of Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, in a form satisfactory to
the Region Solicitor; to formalize their respective roles and other agreements in
relation to the Shared Micromobility Program;
Pursuant to Report TES-TRS-22-07, dated April 12, 2022.
2. Purpose / Issue:
This report informs the Planning and Works Committee of the implementation planning
for the establishment of commercial bike share and e-scooter share operations. It is a
companion to Report TES-TRS-22-06 that recomme
Traffic and Parking By-law to permit e-scooters as part of the Ministry of
-scooter pilot program.
Subject to the approval of this report, the Project Team (comprised of Region and City staff)
will finalize the required Procurement documents, inform municipal Councils, then initiate a
joint Request for Proposals to select a commercial shared micromobility operator in relation
to the Regional and municipal lands in the Cities of Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo.
3. Strategic Plan:
Supporting the introduction of low energy micromobility options and programs that can be
aligns with Focus Area 2 (Sustainable
Document Number: 3846870 Page 1 of 10
April 12, 2022 TES-TRS-22-07
Transportation) of the -2023 Strategic Plan. This work is also a Strategic
Action of the TransformWR plan (Action 1.3.1: Launch Micromobility Systems), and
supports on the Region
for New Mobility).
4. Key Considerations:
On May 5, 2020, Transportation Demand Management staff presented a micromobility
update report to Regional Council (TES-TRS-20-14). The report provided an overview
of recommended actions received from Alta Planning + Design for implementing shared
micromobility solutions throughout the Region.
Since the spring of 2020, TDM staff have continued their work with the Shared
Micromobility Project Team (comprising of transportation staff representatives from the
Cities of Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo) to develop a shared micromobility
-
scooter providers. Staff also retained the consulting services of Alta Planning + Design
on a follow-up assignment to support the development of the micromobility program
implementation plan based on their work for the 2020 Shared Micromobility Feasibility
Study.
This report outlines the implementation plan for the program, specifically the initiation of
the Procurement process for the establishment of commercial bike and e-scooter
operations. Staff plan to lead a joint Request for Proposal (RFP) competitive process
with municipal partners to allow commercial shared micromobility operators to submit
their business plans and compete to be the single provider in the Cities of Cambridge,
Kitchener, and Waterloo.
A) Pre-Launch Considerations
With support from the Project Team, consultants from Alta Planning have finalized an
RFP Framework document that package.
It will outline the operating requirements and expected system features (see Appendix A
for a summary of the key RFP Framework attributes).
The RFP evaluation team will include the members of the Project Team, as well as a
consultant from Alta Planning + Design. The RFP Framework will be evaluated using an
RFP scorecard, developed by Alta Planning. The Project Team intends to invite up to
three respondents to demonstrate their vehicles and technology to the evaluation team.
In the event that the evaluation team determines no proposals meet the requirements
outlined in the RFP Framework, staff will report back to Council to discuss alternative
approaches to implementing a shared micromobility system.
Once the preferred provider is selected, it is expected to take two months of planning
until a system would be ready to launch. This estimate is based on feedback received
3846870 Page 2 of 10
April 12, 2022 TES-TRS-22-07
during an industry workshop hosted by consultants from Alta Planning this fall. Based
on these estimates, a 2022 launch is achievable.
However, there are factors that could delay the launch timeline. For instance, there is
potential for decreased availability of vehicles due to ongoing supply chain issues, and
that global shortages of both electronics and bicycles could continue to pose challenges
for the sourcing of shared micromobility vehicles. There may also be delays in the
finalization of the agreements as both Regional and municipal partners will be part of
the review process.
Staff will prioritize working with their preferred operator and deploying vehicles equipped
with leading monitoring technologies, as well as ensuring the required pre-launch
planning and coordination has occurred, over ensuring a system launch for 2022. The
Project Team believes that allowing sufficient time for the pre-launch planning process
is critical to the success of the program.
If the program launch is delayed into late summer, the Project Team will discuss
postponing the launch to 2023 with the operator. Staff would provide an update to
Regional Council at this time. Otherwise, there will be public communication about the
service launch, including information on how to use the system.
With the intention of expediting the negotiation process and system launch, a draft of
the operator licence agreement will be included in the RFP package. The Project Team
has also been working with both Region and municipal groups to develop the
Procurement and legal documents for the program to identify any discrepancies before
the review process.
B) Post-Launch Considerations
performance and progress towards the overall program goals. This report will also
include any recommendations to improve the program in subsequent years.
The approved 2022 Regional budget includes funding under the TransformWR Climate
Action Plan for one additional staff position to support the shared micromobility
program. This new position will work closely with the shared micromobility system
operator and Project Team to support the accelerated delivery of enhancements to the
shared micromobility program as well as day-to-day operation of the program and
several other low energy transportation initiatives from the TransformWR Climate Action
Plan. The Project Team will continue to provide support with strategic planning and
coordination with staff groups from their respective organizations.
5. Background:
This report builds upon the previous micromobility program updates submitted to
Regional Council, which include the 2018/2019 bike share pilot with Drop Mobility (TES-
3846870 Page 3 of 10
April 12, 2022 TES-TRS-22-07
TRS-18-11), 2019/2020 Micromobility Feasibility Study with Alta Planning + Design
(TES-TRS-20-14), and 2021 e-scooter public consultation plan (TES-TRS-21-01).
6. Area Municipality Communication and Public/Stakeholder Engagement:
Transportation staff from the Region of Waterloo and Cities of Cambridge, Kitchener, and
Waterloo comprise the core Project Team that coordinated the Drop Mobility bike share
pilot, development of the micromobility feasibility study, e-scooter public consultation, and
the recommended Traffic and Parking By-law amendments described in Report TES-TRS-
22-06.
The Project Team has formed an expanded Region and Municipal Staff Shared
Micromobility Working Group to address pre and post launch issues that will touch
various staff groups. Through the Working Group, staff have been working
collaboratively to plan for the launch of a shared micromobility program, and will
of various sub-groups, which currently include Communications, Data, Enforcement and
Safety, Contract Management, Member Services, Station Siting and Operations.
City staff representatives on the Project Team will be providing a similar update to their
Councils over the spring.
Regional and Area Municipal staff have been regularly updated on the micromobility
program through the Traffic Coordinating Committee, Intermunicipal Partnership for
Active Transportation, and leadership updates.
7. Financial Implications:
The R
provision of $85,000 for Micromobility Integration. The budget also includes a provision
of $85,000 for fees collected by the Region from the operator. Staff plan to monitor the
budget for any variance from the zero net impact, as well as any financial impacts
associated with the operation, and maintenance of roads, active transportation facilities,
or the shared micromobility system through future micromobility program update reports
to Regional Council.
8. Conclusions / Next Steps:
If approved, staff will initiate a Request for Proposals to select a commercial shared
micromobility operator. Once the preferred provider is selected, staff would seek to
enter into a licence agreement with the operator, in addition to a Memorandum of
Agreement with municipal partners to respective roles
and other agreements in relation to the Shared Micromobility Program, both to the
satisfaction of the Region Solicitor.
Public and media releases will occur at key milestones towards launch. Staff will report
3846870 Page 4 of 10
April 12, 2022 TES-TRS-22-07
to Regional Council after the first riding season on the operato
progress towards achieving the overall program goals. However, if there are no
successful candidates identified through the RFP process, staff will report back to
Council to discuss alternatives approaches to implementing a shared micromobility
system.
9. Attachments / Links:
Appendix A: RFP Framework Summary (3996122)
Appendix B: Map of Proposed Service Areas from 2020 Shared Micromobility Feasibility
Study (3996122)
Prepared By: Julie Belanger, Principal Planner, Transit
John Cicuttin, Manager, Transit Development
Reviewed By: Neil Malcolm, Acting Director, Transit Services
Approved By: Thomas Schmidt, Commissioner, Transportation and Engineering
Services
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Appendix A: RFP Framework Summary
The key attributes of the RFP Framework include:
Single Operator. Region is seeking a single operator in relation to Regional and
municipal lands in the Cities of Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo.
o Based on the costs and benefits prepared by Alta Planning, exclusivity would be
considered more attractive to operators. Single operator systems were also
identified as requiring less Regional/municipal staff time to manage, and
considered to lend themselves more to multi-year partnerships.
Service Areas in Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo. Service areas define where
there will be docking stations, and where both bikes and e-scooter users are permitted
to start/end trips, on Regional and municipal lands. Bikes and e-scooters can still be
ridden outside of the service area.
o Recommended service areas were identified for the three urban municipalities
in the 2020 Feasibility Study (see Appendix B), however the services areas will
be finalized with the selected operator.
o The Feasibility Study also recommended the operator provide 200 program-
specific parking corrals, and that the Region and Cities add an additional 200
general use parking corrals.
Number of Vehicles. For the initial proposed service area, 850 bicycles and 425 e-
scooters were identified as an appropriate number of vehicles to meet guidance
requirements for the service area size and population.
o Final vehicle counts to be determined with selected operator.
o The Project Team will consider allowing the operator to include electric-assist
vehicles (e-bikes) as part of the bicycle fleet once direction is received from the
Ministry of Ontario regarding e-bike reclassification.
The provincial government announced a redefinition of e-bikes into three
classes (bicycle-style, moped, and motorcycle-style) under the 2021
Moving Ontarians More Safely Act. Staff anticipate that a separate public
consultation program will be required to prepare Traffic and Parking By-
law recommendations to integrate certain types of e-bikes and cargo e-
bikes into a shared micromobility system.
Vehicle Requirements.
o Bicycles will be required to meet Provincial safety requirements, and come
equipped with adjustable seat posts/handlebar heights, front and rear automatic
lights, a bell, all-weather tires, and front/rear fenders.
o E-Scooter pilot framework, e-scooters (if permitted) will be
required to have a horn or bell, front and rear lights, two wheels and two breaks,
and no seat or pedals.
Hybrid Lock-To System. Vehicles can be parked at a station or not (the system does
-
mean that a locking mechanism on the vehicle allows it to be locked to a bike rack
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(rather than simply self-locking).
o In the 2020 Feasibility Study, it is recommended that the operator provide 200
parking corrals and that the Region and municipalities should also add another
200 general use bike parking corrals in the first year of the program.
Prioritize Bikes. To align with the goals set in the Feasibility Study and Region/City
Strategic and Active Transportation Plans (e.g. positively impacts public health, is
, the RFP documents will be structured to incentivize the
provision of bikes over e-scooters.
Revenue Neutral. The system will be run by a private operator. Fees will be collected
from the operator by the Region to offset costs incurred by the Region and Cities. Any
remaining funds will be used to make improvements to the program and/or address
unforeseen financial impacts to operations and maintenance procedures.
Length of Agreement. The Region is interested in signing a one-year contract with
the successful operator, with opportunity for a direct renewal for subsequent years.
make changes to the agreement, if required, but also supports a longer-term
arrangement with the operator.
o The first year of the program will be seasonal. Staff will consider winter service
in later years of the program.
Insurance/Liability. The operator will maintain general liability insurance. Coverage
shall consist of a comprehensive policy of public liability and property damage
insurance. The Region and Cities are indemnified against all claims, demands, loss,
costs, damages, actions, suits, adjusters fees, or other proceedings.
Helmet Use. The minimum age to use the service will be determined by the selected
operator. In compliance with Provincial regulations, cyclists under the age of 18 years
of age will be required to wear a helmet while riding, with all e-scooter users required
to wear a helmet as per the recommended Traffic and Parking By-law amendment in
Report TES-TRS-22-06.
o As part of their proposals, applicants will be required to describe how they will
encourage helmet use.
Transit Integration. Proponents will be asked about how they will integrate their shared
micromobility system with Grand River Transit (GRT) service, including the ION LRT.
Compatible with Mobility Manager Dashboard. Staff have purchased a subscription
to Populus, a mobility manager service. The online dashboard brings together datasets
from disparate sources together into a unified view, and will enable the
management/administration and monitoring of operator data by multiple partners. Prior
to the development of this type of service, the Region and Cities used operator
dashboards to monitor performance. The Populus service has additional features that
are not included in most private operator dashboards. The selected operator will be
required to be compatible and share data with Populus.Key Populus features include:
o Mobility operator data validation, anonymization, and secure storage
o Live map for real-time vehicle monitoring
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o Creation and digital communication of new policies to mobility operators
o Monitoring of preferred/restricted parking areas, equity zones, and vehicle caps
o Route (GPS trip trace) analysis for planning
Controls through Geofencing. Staff can set vehicle restrictions using virtual
perimeters through Populus (see above). Region and City staff are finalizing the slow,
no ride, and no parking zones, based on recommended best practices and feedback
from Region and municipal advisory committees (Report TES-TRS 22-06 Appendix D).
The geofenced zones can be adjusted throughout the program. Due to the GPS
accuracy in most shared micromobility vehicles, geofences are more effective in
setting vehicle restrictions in larger areas such as shared use paths or parks than
smaller footprints such as sidewalks. As a result, how the proponents plan on
preventing sidewalk riding as described in their Safety Plan will be an important
consideration of the RFP evaluation team.
o Slow zones will be used to moderate e-scooter speed within areas permitted
within the Traffic and Parking Bylaw update. An example of a slow zone
includes multi-use trails with high pedestrian volume, such as the Iron Horse
and Spur Line trails. This is intended to prevent high-speed collisions between
riders and pedestrians, a concern identified through consultation with Region
and municipal advisory committees.
o No ride zones could be applied to both bikes and e-scooters. An example of a
no ride zones includes the ION corridor. Further discussion with the selected
operator is required to determine how both bikes and e-scooters can safely
transition from regular speed to stopping.
Operator Performance Monitoring.Staff worked with the consultants to prepare a
monitoring plan that will verify whether the operator is meeting the performance
requirements set in the RFP. Key areas of focus of the monitoring plan will include
customer service and communications, safety and compliance, maintenance and
repair,
o The RFP Framework will include detailed data requirements for the operator
based on the monitoring plan. The operator will also be asked to describe the
data procedures and confirm their alignment with the requirements.
o In order to incentivize compliance, the operator will be charged a refundable
deposit. Liquidated damages will be withdrawn from the deposit.
For example, the operator will be charged a flat rate any time City or
Region staff are dispatched to remove an improperly parked vehicle.
Where relocated vehicles will be parked by Region/City staff will be
determined with the selected operator.
o Staff will have the capacity to set-up policy compliance notifications through
Populus, which will facilitate monitoring and prompt withdrawals from the
Staff will follow-up with the operator if key indicators are not meeting the
performance targets. Broader changes to the program would also be
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considered, if appropriate.
Overall Program Evaluation. Indicators related to the overall goals of the program will
be monitored throughout the riding season to support staff on evaluating how the
system is performing, and to identify where improvements may be made to support
accomplishing the program goals and improve the system. Key goals include
monitoring overall system use, community impact, equity, cost, and safety.
o The Project Team is committed to working with the operator and partners (e.g.
Waterloo Region Police Services, Grand River Hospitalto monitor rates of
reported critical incidents, and ongoing coordination, in line with guidance from
the Southwest Injury Prevention Network.
Parking Management and Enforcement. Potential system operators will be asked to
demonstrate to the Project Team that they are equipped to manage vehicle parking
and enforce user compliance.
o Operator will be required to educate users on proper parking procedures, such
as not blocking the sidewalk clearway path of travel, obstructing features such
as utility accesses, garbage bins, or doorways, or curbside zones reserved for
uses such as buses, taxis or loading.
o Staff can elect to establish permanent and temporary no parking zones, as well
as set-up parking policy compliance notifications through Populus.
o Having vehicles with locking mechanism, instead of self-locking vehicles, is
expected to help with parking management and reducing obstructions in the
pedestrian right-of-way.
Customer Service/Communications. The Region/Cities communication strategy will
focus on imparting to residents how to contact the operator. The operator will be
required to share a Communications Plan before launch.
o As much as possible, comments and complaints received from residents will be
forwarded to the operator. This approach is to clarify ownership of shared
vehicles and to reduce impact on staff time.
o Vehicles will be required to be branded with operator contact info.
Marketing.
initiatives. The operator will be required to share a Marketing Plan before launch.
o The Project Team may explore opportunities to raise awareness of the program
and its potential benefits.
Pilot Opportunities. The Project Team will work with the operator to launch pilot
initiatives that will aim to achieve the goals of the program that may be outside of the
opportunity to reinvest
any remaining operator fees into improving the program. Potential pilots include:
o Expansion into Townships. Expansion of the service area to key destinations
in consultation with Township staff.
o Transit Integration. App and/or fare integration with Grand River Transit.
o Equity. Availability of income-based discounted payment plans and/or
integration of adaptive bikes such as tricycles and hand bikes.
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Appendix B. Map of Proposed Service Areas from 2020 Shared Micromobility Feasibility Study
3993122