Electric Scooters, e-Scooters
Under Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act, e-scooters or (electronic scooters) are considered “vehicles,” not “motor vehicles.” They don’t require a license, insurance, or registration. e-Scooters are prohibited off private property. In Wood Buffalo, this means they are not allowed on public roads, sidewalks, multi-use trails, or greenspaces. Municipal officers may seize scooters used in these areas to protect public safety.
To provide clearer local rules, the Municipality is updating its Roads and Transportation Bylaw. The proposed changes:
- Prohibit e-scooters on all public property
- Introduce fines and enforcement measures
- Will likely be brought forward for first reading by Council at the end of June 2025
In the meantime, we’re focusing on public education and continuing to monitor community safety concerns.
Self-Propelled Vehicle Usage
A self-propelled vehicle means any vehicles propelled by human power on which a person may has, for example bicycles, scooter, skateboard, etc.
We care about the safety of our residents, so before you ride, make sure you are knowledgeable about how to operate your self-propelled vehicle as well as the rules pertaining to its use.
Any person operating a self-propelled vehicle on any trail will:
- Be in control of the movement of the self- propelled vehicle
- Yield the right-of-way to all other users
- Ride to the right hand side of the trail
- Equip the self-propelled vehicle with brakes, a bell or horn, and a head lamp and tail lamp
Any person operating a self-propelled vehicle on any trail will not:
- Ride to the side of another self-propelled vehicle traveling in the same direction except when passing the other self-propelled vehicle
- Use the self-propelled vehicle to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it was designed
All riders and passengers must wear a properly secured safety helmet.
Parks and Recreation Bylaw No. 99/028
Off-Highway Vehicle Usage
Off-highway vehicles (OHV) are widely used in the Municipality; their safe use should be a priority for operators, their passengers and pedestrians. An off-highway vehicle is any vehicle designated for cross-country travel on land, water, snow, ice, marsh or swamp land or on other natural terrain. This includes motorcycles and minibikes, snow vehicles and all- terrain vehicles.
Operation of an OHV is prohibited on public property within the boundaries of Fort McMurray, except on municipal roads in Abasand. There are designated OHV staging areas along the outskirts of Fort McMurray.
Be aware of the dangers of OHV use and practice safe riding at all times. An OHV is only as safe as the person operating it – use good judgment and courtesy, wear appropriate protective gear and maintain your vehicle. OHV users are expected
to follow the same regulations and laws as other motorized vehicle drivers.
View a map of the designated staging areas or get more information on OHV rules and regulations at rmwb.ca/OHV.
Off-Highway Vehicle Bylaw No. 98/078
Parking
It’s safe to say no one enjoys getting a parking ticket. The Municipality takes safety very seriously. Parking standards are in place to ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians. Parking regulations in Fort McMurray are extensive and can be confusing to some, so below is an overview of the information you need to know to avoid being ticketed and towed.
Unless otherwise identified, instructed by a Bylaw Officer, or to avoid conflict with other traffic, no person shall stop or park a vehicle:
- Within ten metres of an intersection, stop sign, yield sign, or crosswalk
- Within five metres of any fire hydrant
- Within a Fire Zone or Transit Zone
- On a sidewalk or boulevard
- Facing oncoming traffic
- On any bridge
- Within one and one-half metres of access to a garage, private road or driveway, or a vehicle crossway over a sidewalk
- If a “No Parking” or “Street Maintenance” sign is posted
- Without moving a vehicle parked on-street for over 48 hours
If you have any questions that are unanswered about parking, contact PULSE.
Roads and Transportation Bylaw No. 02/079
Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrian safety is very important, here are some tips to help avoid accidents or injuries:
- Make sure to be visible to drivers at all times.
- Wear lightly coloured or reflective clothing at night and brightly coloured clothing during the day.
- Make eye contact with drivers in stopped and approaching vehicles to ensure they see you before you cross in front of them.
- Put your phone away when walking or crossing the street.
- Don’t wear headphones - your ears can tell you a lot about what is happening around you.
- Know and follow all traffic rules, signs, and signals. Being aware of the rules that vehicles must follow allows you to anticipate what drivers will do.
- Never assume that a driver will give you the right of way.
- Use crosswalks when crossing the street.
- Stay on sidewalks whenever possible. If a sidewalk is not available, walk on the side of the road facing traffic. This will help increase your visibility to drivers.
- Avoid walking along highways or other roadways where pedestrians are prohibited.
Transit
Save money and be mindful of the environment by taking municipal transit to destinations in Fort McMurray and some rural communities. For detailed information, rmwb.ca/transit or contact PULSE.
Vehicle for Hire
When using a taxi in the RMWB, you have rights as a passenger to have the best experience possible. As a passenger, you have the right to:
- Decide on the route. The taxicab chauffeur shall take the most economical route to a destination unless otherwise requested by you.
- Observe the taxi meter. The meter should be illuminated and visible at all times by all passengers.
- See the driver’s chauffeur permit and taxi license. A Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo issued taxicab chauffeur permit and taxicab license should be clearly visible to all passengers.
- Refuse multiple hiring. A taxicab may carry two or more strangers from a common starting point to one or more destinations if the original hirer agrees.
- Ask for a receipt. The chauffeur may not refuse to provide a receipt in the amount of the fare.
As a passenger, you are responsible for:
- Paying the correct fare.
- Being courteous.
- Wearing a seat belt at all times.
- Respecting the rules of the road.