Can I Park in the Bike Lane in Hamilton?

Q, I’m in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Can I park in the bike lane? I’m only going to be a [second/minute/hour]

A. No.

Q. No, really. There’s only one driving lane here. I can park in the bike lane, right?

A. No. Absolutely not. Or at least, almost certainly not.

Q. What!? I’m not even really parking, I’m just… stopping?

A. Yeah. No. Here is a link to the On-Street Parking Bylaw. You are looking for section 12(7), at page 31. You can stop in a bike lane and obstruct it for one of three reasons: (a) you are driving a bus in which case you know this; (b) you are a taxi loading or discharging a passenger at that moment; (c) you are anyone loading or discharging a disabled passenger at that moment. And there’s a general provision that says if you’re an emergency vehicle, the Parking bylaw doesn’t apply to you.

Q. Oh, that’s fine then! This is an emergency.

A. Emergency vehicles, not drivers feeling urgent. Those are defined: (a) on-duty city vehicles; (b) police and fire vehicles; (c) ambulances and hearses; (d) Canada Post or a utility vehicle; (e) armoured cars and escorts; and (f) tow trucks.

GET OUT OF THE BIKE LANE AND FIND A PARKING SPOT.

 

Written by Craig Burley

Craig is a tax lawyer in private practice in Hamilton, Ontario. Call Craig at (905) 296-3378 to discuss issues that you think may need independent tax advice. In addition to tax, Craig writes and works publicly on a number of other issues related to law, justice, and public affairs.

Website: http://craigburley.com