Sat, June 19  ALL E-Bike Riders. Meet us at Canatara , at 6:30 PM Near The Chip Truck
Only if it's not looking like rain. See you there. Come an have fries with us.

2010 Sat Meets - 7pm - Meets  will be every Saturday at Canatara Park. Come on out and join other e-bikers for a evening at the park. Park near the chip truck. These meets will be dependant on the weather. Please note, sometimes only 2-3 will show and sometimes 20 may show. We are still growing. Spread the word. I myself may not always show due to work schedule.

Bluewater E-Rally 2009
Under the bridge was a rain out, but we still managed 17 bikes for the Canatara BBQ, and raised about $130-$140 for charity.
Got a little wet but managed to find dryness under the shelter near the bandstand in Canatara

Thanks to the 17 bikes that showed up

Sarnia needs to GO GREEN. We are way behind other cities, or other places in the world for that matter. IT'S TIME TO CHANGE.

Sarnians need to bring attention to the need of bike/e-bike dedicated lanes in Sarnia. There is plenty on room on several main roads in this city for these lanes to be added. All it takes is some paint and those pictures of bikes added. Similar to what was done to Vidal St, south of the overpass. Well worth the time and money to add safety for our kids and adults.

It's time to call city hall and complain about the need of these safety issues. It provides us with space, and a feeling of safety. Not just for e-bikes, but bicycles as well, so they don't have to ride illegally on the sidewalk to feel safe.  With tough times and gas prices, there are more bicycles and e-bikes on the road all the time. If we had proper bike lanes, more people would probably bike to work, or to wherever.

The city wants to put restrictions on the Howard Watson trail, and on the waterfront. How about a news article on people on bicycles, running stop signs, red lights, riding on the sidewalk, or down the wrong side of the road, in traffic. E-Bikers for the most part are obeying the laws of the road.

Facts..
1. E-Bikes are no wider from handle to handle than a mountain bike.
2. Regular bikes can easily go faster than 30km/h, e-bikes are limited to 28-32km/h.
3. E-Bikes have a horn to warn walkers ahead, most bikes do not, even though it is LAW to have one on your bike.

Don't get me wrong, regular bicycles are great, and a great for of exercise, but people do need to follow rules of the road on bicycles as well as e-bikes.

How about doing a bylaw with tire size restrictions. Under the size of 24 inch to be permitted on sidewalks, and 24 and over to use side of the road or bike lanes (hint, hint). This allows better safety still for kids. This is used in many cities. E-Bikes do have a 16 inch tire, but not be allowed on sidewalks.

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- New Gift Shop is open. Visit the Gift Shop

- Bill 126 has received a Royal Accent making it now law. All laws stay the same.

- Send me an E-Mail to get listed in the club, and well as join our forum.

New - Bill 126 Is now received Royal Assent into law.

There are two exceptions:
Operators must be 16 years of age or older, and All operators must wear an approved bicycle helmet at all times.

1) No driver's license is required,
2) No written test is required,
3) No vehicle registration or plate required,
4) No requirement for motor vehicle liability insurance.
5) An e-bike is a bike that:

What makes an E-bike?
(i) Has steering handlebars and is equipped with pedals;

(ii) Is designed to be propelled primarily by muscular power and to travel on not more than three wheels;

(iii) Has a motor that has a power output rating of 500W or less. (Note: the motor is electric, and is incapable of propelling the cycle at speed of 32km/h or greater on level ground, without pedaling.)

(iv) Has the proper label stating that it's a Power-assisted bicycle and meets all the requirements of the Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations.
The power-assisted bicycle pilot is authorized by Ontario Regulation 473/06. In this regulation, the legal definition of an ebike refers to the Federal definition of a power-assisted bicycle. For the full definition, please see subsection 2(1) of the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations under the Motor Vehicle Safety Act.

Can I get insurance for my E-Bike if I wanted to?
When checking with my Insurance company, they informed me I was already covered by my homeowners insurance. I was covered for theft and liability. So even if I hit a car or someone, I was covered by my home insurance. But check with your own provider. Things can change.

What if I weigh more than the max weight specified?
For most part, going over a bit is no big deal, but if your are over by a fair amount, you should stay away from large hills or overpasses, as your battery may be overworked and burn out.

Can I ride my bike on the sidewalk?
No, it is against the law for even a regular bike to be on the sidewalk.

Can I modify my bike to go faster?
We do not recommend this, as it WILL void your warranty. It also makes your bike illegal.

Can I ride my ebike in the rain?
If you get caught in the rain is one thing, but try to avoid riding it, if it is calling for rain that day. Unless your bike is rain resistant.

Where do I ride  my e-bike?
Anywhere you normally ride a regular bike. But not on the sidewalk.

Do I need to wear a helmet?
Yes, all riders must wear a approved bike helmet, or you can wear a better motorcycle helmet.

How do I store my bike for winter?
It's recommend a garage or indoors somewhere. If you keep it in a cold place for winter, remove the battery, and bring it indoors. Then plug charger directly into it every month to top it up. If you keep bike stored in heated area with battery still installed, turn on the headlights for a hour or so, once a month, then charge it back up.

Where do I park my bike when I go to the mall or stores?
If there is a provided bike rack, park there. If not, park it anywhere in front of the store where you would park a bicycle. An e-bike is not a legal bike to park in a regular parking spot, but if no provided spots are available by the store, for bicycles, than there is no choice to do so.

Can I remove my pedals?
No, riding without pedals is illegal, and will get you several fines. It is no longer an E-Bike without pedals.

Total Members  - 14    (as of May 1)

Charity Raising Total for 2010 -  $0.00

Charity Raising Total for 2009 -  $148.00

Join The Club - Send us and email with your name and email to jlacroix@cogeco.ca