News Release Archive

BUSINESS/CONSUMER SERVICES--MORE TRAILS TO BE OPENED TO CYCLISTS
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Recreational cyclists will soon enjoy more of Nova Scotia's
trails under an amendment to the provincial Motor Vehicle Act
introduced today.

Currently, some stretches of recreational trails fall within
street and highway rights-of-way, making them "sidewalks" as
defined by the act. And because bicycles are not permitted to be
ridden on sidewalks, portions of these trails are off limits.

The amendment will enable municipalities to designate these
portions as trails rather than sidewalks, allowing recreational
cyclists on them.

"Families and cycling enthusiasts should be allowed to make full
use of these trails in areas where they are clearly for
recreational purposes," said Sandy Jolly, minister for Business
and Consumer Services. "For example, the trail system in
Dartmouth will immediately benefit from this legislation because
parts of it runs along provincial highways."

Bike Metro, a Halifax-area recreational organization, welcomed
the amendment. "This legislation will improve an already
excellent trail system in Dartmouth and will enable families to
more fully enjoy the trails," said Tony Case of Bike Metro.

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Contact: David MacNeil  902-424-2933

trp                  Apr. 11, 1997 - 10:45 a.m.