An exercise in political activism
Today’s post was going to be in reference to yesterday’s Toronto Star’s article on homework, and specifically, the notion of homework for homeschoolers. But alas, that will have to wait. Today’s agenda is far more important than the ranting and raving of someone who (thankfully!) no longer has to witness firsthand the idiocy of most homework being assigned in Ontario schools.
Today is a day for families to discuss fun things like government, legislation and public representation.
As some of you know, neither Joe nor I have a driver’s license. This is partly a political statement, but just as much a part of our attempt to be financially responsible. A few cabs a year hardly adds up to the expense of owning a car full-time.
With the developing technologies on this front, we have both resolved not to get our licenses until we can purchase a 100% electric vehicle. This doesn’t mean that we will automatically get our licenses once this day arrives, nor are we necessarily chomping at the bit to do so. Given that we’ve gone this long with out a car, our driving needs are obviously few and far between and it may never be necessary or even “worth it” in our minds to get a car. But, if we do, it will be an electric one.
That’s why we watch the news on this front with great interest. Many of you may have seen the company that manufactures the Zenn car featured on the Rick Mercer show, or in other mainstream news. The short story is this: there’s a Canadian (Quebec) manufactured car that is only sold in the U.S. because our federal transport laws weren’t up with the times.
I say “were” because the publicity that the Zenn car received last fall prompted transport Canada to give the low-speed electric vehicle the stamp of approval. Now, that still didn’t mean you could actually purchase or drive it here, because some of our road laws are provincial. But, it was a step.
So, what’s all the fuss now? I just received an email notification today that Transport Canada is attempting to redefine “Low Speed Vehicles” so that now NONE of them will be allowed on the roads! They are trying to change the definition of a low speed vehicle from one that is allowed to operate on roads with posted speed limits of 50 km/h or less (meaning most of your city streets) to one that is only allowed to operate on essentially “private” roads: university campuses, parks military bases etc.
Since most of the electric cars now in production (or prototype) are meant to be small, casual driving vehicles to accomplish tasks such as grocery shopping and zipping around town, many of them are classified as low speed vehicles.
You don’t have to be an environmental activist to appreciate that low speed vehicles like the Zenn car (which actually exceeds mandated safety requirements, so that’s not the issue) on our city streets makes a lot of sense for everyone.
These cars take up less room on the streets and in parking lots, use no gas (conserving it for others who do need it) and are a symbol of our willingness to explore and accept alternatives as well as individuals’ right to choose how much (or how little) of a “car” they really need.
We know firsthand the huge effects that something as trivial as a definition can have on a situation. Remember when Ontario universities used to be funding based on the number of students who had acquired a high school diploma? Think about what happened when that funding definition was amended to include “or equivalent.”
Below is the email I received, and of course, I’d love it if others got involved in the cause and made their feelings known via the methods described at the end. It’s one I feel is worthy, and affects me personally. But, that’s not the only reason to participate.
I support several causes that don’t affect me personally because I feel it’s my responsibility to advocate for personal choice and freedoms.
I don’t have children, but I feel very strongly about homeschoolers’ right to choose their own education. If I do have children in the future, I would want the freedom to homeschool them to be available to me.
I don’t drive, but if I ever choose to do so, I would like the option of an electric car so that it can in theory be powered by any form of energy I choose.
That’s it. I have no ulterior motive, no veiled attempt to force everyone else to give up their cars. I simply hope that perhaps this issue can be a springboard for your family to discuss issues of legislation and governance. And if you feel so moved, participate in your government to increase the options available to us all.
Here’s the email I received:
Transport Canada is trying to ban the ZENN and other Low Speed Vehicles from public roads!
On December 22, 2007, only 50 days after granting the ZENN the National Safety Mark (clearing the way for ZENN to sell in the provinces that enact low-speed vehicle legislation) Transport Canada announced plans to REVISE THE DEFINITION OF LOW-SPEED VEHICLES.
The (paraphrased) existing Low-Speed Vehicle (LSV) definition is as follows:
“Low Speed Vehicles are designed for on road use, have a regulated top speed of 40 KPH and are restricted to roads with a posted speed limit of 50KPH.”
This type of vehicle is legal in more than 40 of the 50 States and throughout Europe, Asia and South America in mixed-use environments and has an exemplary safety record when operated in its defined operating environments!
The proposed revision to definition of Low-Speed Vehicles (LSVs) is as follows:
“low-speed vehicle” means a vehicle, other than a restricted-use motorcycle or a vehicle imported temporarily for special purposes, that is designed for use primarily on streets and roads where access and the use of other classes of vehicles are controlled by law or agreement”
There are other recommendations, including the addition of small trucks to the definition and improvements for increased visibility of LSVs that ZENN Motor Company agrees are reasonable and we support.
Reference: Canada Gazette Vol. 141, No. 51 — December 22, 2007, Regulations Amending the Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations (Low-speed Vehicles)
What does this mean?
Essentially, the ZENN would be UNABLE to operate on 50 KPH and slower public roads such as downtown Victoria, Vancouver, Montreal and Toronto. The ZENN, and vehicles like it would be forced to only operate on closed, private roads such as parks, university campuses and military bases.
What are the consequences to such a revision?
§ The ZENN, and green vehicles like it will not enter the Canadian market
§ Consumer choice for alternative, zero emission green vehicles will remain limited to bicycles
§ Those provinces who wish to promote alternative forms of transportation (such as a Low-Speed Vehicle) will have to legislate in direct opposition to Transport Canada’s revised definition of limited on road use
Concerned? Outraged? Here’s what you can do:
All comments regarding the proposed changes must be submitted by February 20, 2008 to:
Matthew Coons, Senior Regulatory Development
Engineer, Road Safety and Motor Vehicle Regulation
Directorate, Department of Transport, Place de Ville, Tower C,
8th Floor, 330 Sparks Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0N5
tel.:613-998-1961; e-mail: coonsm@tc.gc.ca
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