WATERLOO REGION — Despite significant public and political pushback, regional politicians opted Tuesday to permit side-by-side cycling on regional roads.

Staff recommended against the move after an initial proposal to allow it drew public outcry and opposition from two township councils.

Ultimately in a 12-3 vote, Region of Waterloo councillors decided to allow cyclists to ride two abreast.

Speaking in support, Coun. Geoff Lorentz said it's up to everyone to play safe on the road.

"It doesn't matter what type of vehicle you're driving. … It's your responsibility to operate that vehicle or whatever it is in a responsible manner and that's what it all kind of boils down to," he said.

Coun. Sean Strickland said he was concerned allowing side-by-side would create unnecessary discord between municipalities and cyclists and drivers.

"Single file cyclists on the road I think is a traffic challenge enough," he said. "To allow to have two abreast, we're just creating a problem."

Township of Wilmot Mayor Les Armstrong said there needs to be an education program for drivers and cyclists if this is going to work. He used his trademark line: "You can't fix stupid."

"The only problem is the cyclists will be right; but my biggest fear is that there are going to be far too many that are going to be dead right," Armstrong said.

The region will investigate options for public education.

In the fall, regional staff brought forward a proposed update to the existing traffic and parking bylaw. Among the proposed changes was to remove a prohibition from side-by-side cycling.

The argument was that it would align the local bylaw with the Highway Traffic Act.

But many citizens were not happy.

They wrote letters to the editor and contacted regional staff and politicians to make their opinions known.

Township of Wellesley council and Township of Woolwich council passed resolutions to let the region know they were not supportive of the idea.

Their concerns were that the rolling hills, faster speeds and thin shoulders on rural roads couldn't accommodate cyclists side-by-side, making the activity unsafe.

"Having drivers coming up behind cyclists and not having space to pass safely is an issue for us … The bylaw's been working the way it is … and it does make a statement and I think that statement's important to say we want cyclists to ride single file," Woolwich Mayor Sandy Shantz said.

Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...

In response to the pushback, staff re-examined the proposed bylaw and came forward Tuesday with a new version that would not allow cycling two abreast.

The reason was that two townships were not on board. Each of the municipalities is expected to bring their bylaws in line with the region, so staff were concerned it would be confusing for drivers and cyclists if different roads had different rules.

"The reason we backed off is the consistency issue and our concern that that will cause confusion and create safety issues," said Thomas Schmidt, commissioner of transportation and environmental services.

Local cities and the two townships are expected to alter their bylaws to align with the region. However, Woolwich and Wellesley will not alter their bylaws to allow side-by-side cycling.

The council vote will be confirmed at a meeting June 1.

Some active transportation highlights from the bylaw:

• Skateboarding, in-line skating, roller skating, scooters and cycling will all be permitted on multi-use trails and road shoulders

• In-line skating, roller skating, skateboarding and scooters will not be permitted on boulevards and roads

• Cyclists can use multi-use trails, roads, road shoulders and, in some circumstances, sidewalks. Children can ride on the sidewalk and parents as well when they are directly supervising a child.

• Helmets are required for all cyclists 18 years of age or younger.