Originally Posted by
Fargo Wolf
I would say it's been law since the mid 70s, but wouldn't be surprised if it's been law for far longer.
The problem is twofold.
1: There is a capacity issue in larger areas. The idea was to allow Dutch cyclists the opportunity to choose whether they wanted to use the pre existing bike path, or take to the road, in order to bypass (bicycle) congestion.
2: The other issue was in regards to racing cyclists using the pathways as their own personal track.
The idea was shot down for obvious (to the Dutch anyway) reasons. Simply put, the bike paths are there for a reason.
YouTube linky:
How the Dutch Got Their Cycle Paths
How the Dutch got their cycle paths - YouTube
Ah, so maybe my earlier speculation is back on track then. Perhaps the Canadian is similar to the Dutch racing cyclists for whom the paths are too congested to use safely as their personal track, and was on the highway playing dumb for the same reason.