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Cision Canada
16-07-2025
- Automotive
- Cision Canada
Road safety laws lag adoption of personal e-bikes and e-scooters, CAA study finds Français
OTTAWA, ON, July 16, 2025 /CNW/ - As sales of electric bicycles and scooters rise across Canada, a new study released by the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) reveals gaps in safety regulations, data collection, and public awareness, while also noting that shared mobility fleets operate with stricter rules and can be a positive example for change. The study, commissioned by CAA and conducted by the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF), surveys how governments are regulating e-bikes and e-scooters, and presents findings of Canadian and international research into potential road safety risks associated with the use of these devices. The findings provide much-needed guidance for all levels of government. "E-bikes and e-scooters offer Canadians a convenient, accessible, and affordable option to get around," says Ian Jack, vice-president, public affairs, CAA National. "But their rapid adoption is in some cases outpacing the rules meant to keep all road users safe." The report reveals six key findings: Regulatory gaps – Many jurisdictions have yet to establish road safety rules for e-bikes and e-scooters, such as speed limits or permitted riding areas. Shared-use fleets are ahead on safety – Public e-bike and e-scooter share programs often abide by stricter regulations and safety measures than personal devices, including geofencing, speed limits and higher minimum rider age. Need for continued public education – Safety information and guidance is limited. As a leader in road safety advocacy, CAA provides information on e-bikes and e-scooters on our website and promotes safety tips to road users. Limited safety research – Understanding of the potential risks associated with these devices remains incomplete. Data gaps – Official collision data is inconsistent and often lacks key details, including recording whether an e-bike or e-scooter was involved. Battery and modification risks – Uncertified imports of lithium-ion batteries and speed alterations can increase risks of fire and injury hazards for personally-owned devices. High operating standards mitigate these potential risks for shared fleets. These findings underscore the report's recommendation that jurisdictions review existing policies and make sure they have basic road safety rules for e-bikes and e-scooters—such as speed limits and sidewalk restrictions. "It's critical that municipalities and stakeholders consult when developing riding regulations. Key considerations for designating riding areas should include existing infrastructure," says Robyn Robertson, TIRF President & CEO. "Typical speeds of micromobility devices differ from other modes of transport, meaning designating appropriate riding areas is necessary to mitigate conflicts between these modes." Where regulations exist, there is encouraging alignment, offering a strong foundation for others to build on. International studies show that sidewalk use is a leading cause of e-scooter injuries, which likely explains why many jurisdictions in this study have banned e-bikes and e-scooters from sidewalks. The study also highlights that in many regions, public micromobility share fleets are subject to stricter rules than personal devices. One CAA club, BCAA owns and operates Evolve E-Bike & E-Scooter Share for a growing number of municipalities. Evolve has worked closely with BC communities to proactively address what's highlighted in the CAA report. "CAA is urging jurisdictions to share information and work together to keep pace with this fast-evolving field," says Jack. "The often-stricter rules and safety measures for shared fleets set good safety standards and there is opportunity to apply these more consistently across personal devices to help create clarity." Available data on the safety risks of these relatively new micromobility devices is sparse. However, based on the research available, the study found the most common injuries can be more severe than for non-electric bicycles because they often happen at higher speeds. "Because of the potential for injury, setting clear rules for personal devices similar to many shared fleets, around speed limits and where e-bikes and e-scooters can be used should be a top priority," says Jack. Unless a motor vehicle is part of the collision, there is very little likelihood an incident involving an e-scooter or e-bike will even be recorded. "We need more and better data collection on collisions involving e-bikes and e-scooters," says Jack. "Without it, we can't identify trends that increase potential risk to riders—and without those insights, we miss the opportunity to shape smarter laws that help prevent collisions and injuries." To learn more about the findings and recommendations, access the full study here. CAA's 5 tips for safe riding on e-bikes and e-scooters: Before you ride, check your brakes, tires, and lights. Protect yourself by always wearing a helmet and dress to be visible. Always ride sober and distraction free. While you ride, start slow, stay alert, and ride solo in a single file. Be aware of any road rules and be mindful of pedestrians, and for everyone's safety, please stay off the sidewalks. About CAA CAA is a federation of eight Clubs providing over 7 million Members with exceptional emergency roadside service, complete automotive and travel services, Member savings and comprehensive insurance services. As one of Canada's most trusted brands, CAA also advocates on issues of concern to its Members and all Canadians, including road safety, the environment, mobility, infrastructure, and consumer protection. About TIRF Canada The vision of the Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF) is to ensure people using roads make it home safely every day by eliminating road deaths, serious injuries and their social costs. TIRF's mission is to be the knowledge source for safe road users and a world leader in research, program and policy development, evaluation, and knowledge transfer. TIRF is a registered charity and depends on grants, awards, and donations to provide services for the public. Visit or find all TIRF websites and social media at
Yahoo
18-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Cyclists, pedestrians in daily danger at intersections, CAA study finds
OTTAWA, June 18, 2025 /CNW/ - Pedestrians and cyclists face life-threatening near misses in Canadian intersections every day, according to a groundbreaking new CAA study that sheds light on areas for improvement. The study used cameras and AI to monitor and analyze intersections across Canada in real time, recording on average more than one potentially fatal near-miss per day per intersection. In the largest Canadian study of its kind, over 600,000 near misses were recorded across just 20 intersections over seven months. Actual collisions are recorded by police, but not the near misses that could become tragic. CAA and its study partner Miovision were able to identify key intersection design features that could reduce the risk of these near misses, including separate right-turn lanes, having walk signals start before vehicle green lights, and giving left-turning vehicles a dedicated green light before other traffic. "These representative intersections reveal a snapshot of just how common serious near misses can be – but also where small changes could make a big difference," said Ian Jack, CAA national vice president of public affairs. "These are not isolated incidents— they're regular reminders of why we need to improve intersection safety across the country." The study found near misses most often involved vehicles making a right turn. More than half (55% of pedestrians and 50% of cyclists) had a close call with a vehicle. And more than a third (34% of pedestrians and 36% of cyclists) were involved in conflict with a left-turning vehicle. "This new data can give decision-makers a clearer understanding of intersection safety challenges– and highlight some possible solutions," said Ian Jack. "Working with CAA and municipalities across Canada, we've been able to reveal traffic safety risks before someone gets hurt. This study shows why it's so important to use real-time data to expedite critical safety decisions. As more cities embrace a proactive approach, our technology empowers them to act faster, target interventions where they matter most, and build safer streets for everyone," said Kurtis McBride, CEO of Miovision. Data was collected using 360-degree cameras at intersections of various designs across seven provinces, including Nova Scotia, Québec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. Using AI-powered video analytics, Miovision was able to detect near misses and assess risk levels based on vehicle speed and trajectory. Detailed findings of the study can be found here. Extrapolated nationwide, the study reveals that 1 in every 770 pedestrians, and 1 in every 500 cyclists, would experience a high-risk or critical near miss—defined as an incident with an 85% chance of causing serious injury or death. The study uses the Safe Systems Approach to make its recommendations for improvements. This is a framework for preventing serious injuries and fatalities through safer road design and policies, based on the idea that human error is inevitable. CAA's tips to keep vulnerable road users safe at intersections: Check for cyclists and pedestrians crossing the street as you make a left or right turn. Ensure the crosswalk and bike lanes are clear before making a left or right turn. Yield to pedestrians crossing the street. Pedestrians may approach from your right or be hidden by parked cars — scan both sides of the street before turning. Be aware of cyclists that may be travelling straight while you are making a turn into their path. Turning at a slow speed can give you more time to react to unexpected movements from pedestrians and cyclists. Check your blind spots. Do a full shoulder check as your side mirrors might miss a cyclist or pedestrian. When turning right on red, come to a full stop, then look both ways for people crossing and for cyclists riding up on your right. CAA's tips to stay safe at intersections: Be alert and remain focused, especially in low visibility. Make eye contact with the driver. Ensure you are seen. Avoid jaywalking. Obey pedestrian signals and only cross at marked crosswalks and intersections. Wear bright, light-coloured clothing or reflective strips, especially in low-light or dark conditions. Watch for vehicles turning at intersections or backing out of driveways. About CAA CAA is a federation of eight Clubs providing over 7 million Members with exceptional emergency roadside service, complete automotive and travel services, Member savings and comprehensive insurance services. As one of Canada's most trusted brands, CAA also advocates on issues of concern to its Members and all Canadians, including road safety, the environment, mobility, infrastructure, and consumer protection. About Miovision Miovision enables cities to reduce traffic congestion and vehicle emissions, while improving public safety through scalable intelligent transportation solutions. Our permanent and portable systems have detected more than 77 billion vehicles and 3 billion pedestrians and cyclists, providing accurate, actionable traffic data and insights that help make transportation safer and more efficient for all. Miovision is headquartered in Kitchener, Ontario, and has offices in Germany, Serbia, and the United States. Since its start in 2005, Miovision has served over 5,000 customers in 68 countries. SOURCE Canadian Automobile Association View original content to download multimedia:
Cision Canada
18-06-2025
- Automotive
- Cision Canada
Cyclists, pedestrians in daily danger at intersections, CAA study finds Français
OTTAWA, June 18, 2025 /CNW/ - Pedestrians and cyclists face life-threatening near misses in Canadian intersections every day, according to a groundbreaking new CAA study that sheds light on areas for improvement. The study used cameras and AI to monitor and analyze intersections across Canada in real time, recording on average more than one potentially fatal near-miss per day per intersection. In the largest Canadian study of its kind, over 600,000 near misses were recorded across just 20 intersections over seven months. Actual collisions are recorded by police, but not the near misses that could become tragic. CAA and its study partner Miovision were able to identify key intersection design features that could reduce the risk of these near misses, including separate right-turn lanes, having walk signals start before vehicle green lights, and giving left-turning vehicles a dedicated green light before other traffic. "These representative intersections reveal a snapshot of just how common serious near misses can be – but also where small changes could make a big difference," said Ian Jack, CAA national vice president of public affairs. "These are not isolated incidents— they're regular reminders of why we need to improve intersection safety across the country." The study found near misses most often involved vehicles making a right turn. More than half (55% of pedestrians and 50% of cyclists) had a close call with a vehicle. And more than a third (34% of pedestrians and 36% of cyclists) were involved in conflict with a left-turning vehicle. "This new data can give decision-makers a clearer understanding of intersection safety challenges– and highlight some possible solutions," said Ian Jack. "Working with CAA and municipalities across Canada, we've been able to reveal traffic safety risks before someone gets hurt. This study shows why it's so important to use real-time data to expedite critical safety decisions. As more cities embrace a proactive approach, our technology empowers them to act faster, target interventions where they matter most, and build safer streets for everyone," said Kurtis McBride, CEO of Miovision. Data was collected using 360-degree cameras at intersections of various designs across seven provinces, including Nova Scotia, Québec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. Using AI-powered video analytics, Miovision was able to detect near misses and assess risk levels based on vehicle speed and trajectory. Detailed findings of the study can be found here. Extrapolated nationwide, the study reveals that 1 in every 770 pedestrians, and 1 in every 500 cyclists, would experience a high-risk or critical near miss—defined as an incident with an 85% chance of causing serious injury or death. The study uses the Safe Systems Approach to make its recommendations for improvements. This is a framework for preventing serious injuries and fatalities through safer road design and policies, based on the idea that human error is inevitable. CAA's tips to keep vulnerable road users safe at intersections: Check for cyclists and pedestrians crossing the street as you make a left or right turn. Ensure the crosswalk and bike lanes are clear before making a left or right turn. Yield to pedestrians crossing the street. Pedestrians may approach from your right or be hidden by parked cars — scan both sides of the street before turning. Be aware of cyclists that may be travelling straight while you are making a turn into their path. Turning at a slow speed can give you more time to react to unexpected movements from pedestrians and cyclists. Check your blind spots. Do a full shoulder check as your side mirrors might miss a cyclist or pedestrian. When turning right on red, come to a full stop, then look both ways for people crossing and for cyclists riding up on your right. CAA's tips to stay safe at intersections: Be alert and remain focused, especially in low visibility. Make eye contact with the driver. Ensure you are seen. Avoid jaywalking. Obey pedestrian signals and only cross at marked crosswalks and intersections. Wear bright, light-coloured clothing or reflective strips, especially in low-light or dark conditions. Watch for vehicles turning at intersections or backing out of driveways. About CAA CAA is a federation of eight Clubs providing over 7 million Members with exceptional emergency roadside service, complete automotive and travel services, Member savings and comprehensive insurance services. As one of Canada's most trusted brands, CAA also advocates on issues of concern to its Members and all Canadians, including road safety, the environment, mobility, infrastructure, and consumer protection. About Miovision Miovision enables cities to reduce traffic congestion and vehicle emissions, while improving public safety through scalable intelligent transportation solutions. Our permanent and portable systems have detected more than 77 billion vehicles and 3 billion pedestrians and cyclists, providing accurate, actionable traffic data and insights that help make transportation safer and more efficient for all. Miovision is headquartered in Kitchener, Ontario, and has offices in Germany, Serbia, and the United States. Since its start in 2005, Miovision has served over 5,000 customers in 68 countries. SOURCE Canadian Automobile Association
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
New study challenges common myth about electric cars: 'These insights are critical'
Ever believe something you heard without checking if it's true? It's OK — we've all been there. For example, take electric vehicles. You may have heard claims that they stop working in cold weather or any number of other EV myths. While the battery performance of EVs does dip a bit in the cold, by no means do they break or stop working. That belief has prevailed for some time, but it's been disproven by the Canadian Automobile Association, according to CleanTechnica. As the group found in a series of sub-zero temperature tests, no EVs were rendered unusable. The best performers — including the Silverado EV and the Polestar 2 — only lost 14% of their range, while the most impacted lost 39%. Yet many vehicles could quickly regain significant range with just 15 minutes of charging, the report explained. So, it is true that the cold is a factor for EV drivers. But the actual impact varies from car to car, and overall, it's not as bleak as many believe. The CAA suggests Canadian automakers share winter range estimates on top of year-round averages so that drivers can make the most informed decisions, CleanTechnica reported. Plus, the association recommends some simple ways to lower EV exposure in the cold: clear snow and ice while charging, use heated seats instead of vents, and park indoors if possible, per CleanTechnica. All told, an EV can still be a smart choice even in winter climates like Canada. Slight range discrepancies pale in comparison to being free from planet-heating gasoline bills. Meanwhile, maintaining internal combustion engine cars, which also struggle in the cold, can get expensive. As for the environmental costs of EV manufacturing, there's more good news. When compared to a gas-burning Toyota Corolla, a Tesla Model 3 only needs 13,500 miles under its belt before breaking even on those impacts, according to a Reuters report. Plus, EV battery technologies are being refined all the time, which means it's getting easier and easier to save money — and further warming of the planet — with your choice of car. "CAA is responding to a top concern of Canadians when it comes to EVs," said Ian Jack, vice president for public affairs at CAA National, per the outlet. "These insights are critical for both current EV owners and those considering making the switch." If you were going to purchase an EV, which of these factors would be most important to you? Cost Battery range Power and speed The way it looks Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "In Saskatchewan this last week temperatures have been -30's C with windchill -40s," one commenter wrote. "Range loss is significant but no performance issues for 2024 [Chevrolet Blazer EV]." "For local driving, range loss [is] not a problem," another added. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
