Cyclists, pedestrians, drivers and others are being asked to take part in a survey about cycling in the city as the bylaw department readies for a complete rewrite of its bicycle bylaw.

The survey, launched this morning, is available on the city's website (www.whitehorse.ca/bylawinput) or through hard copy at the city's Public Safety Building on Range Road.

The survey questions residents about what they think of the rules for bicycles on roads, sidewalks, paths and trails; bicycle registration; and safety requirements for cyclists such as the use of bicycle helmets. Residents have until April 29 to fill in the survey.

As bylaw manager Dave Pruden explained at a press conference this morning, the current bylaw was passed in 1976.

Updates have been made over the years, the last being in 2003, when a helmet became required for those riding their bikes in town.

Pruden, however, noted the bylaw doesn't reflect the overall changes which have taken place in the city over the last 30 years.

"We want to work with residents on the development of a contemporary bicycle bylaw that promotes cyclist safety and responsible conduct on city roads, trails and paths,” he said.

A rewrite of the entire bylaw will address those changes – more people using their bicycles to commute, the rising popularity in winter cycling and the city's promotion of alternative transportation, among others that have taken place.

Following the survey, bylaw officials will tally up the information and look at what other jurisdictions are doing to address bicycle safety in drafting a new bylaw.

Sometime in May or June, Pruden said, he expects to bring forward a draft bylaw from that information which will be presented to council. There will also be a public open house for further comment.

From there, Pruden said, further revisions to the bylaw could be made before the final version comes to council for approval sometime in June or July, the peak biking season.

The timing means the bylaw will not be ready in time for the increased numbers of cyclists hitting the streets for the summer season.

However, Pruden noted, the survey is coming out at a time when more and more people are getting their bikes out for the spring season, or starting to at least think about getting their bikes out, making it a good time for the survey.

Council asked the bylaw department to look at the issue – which is what the department is doing, he said.

Pruden estimated the department receives about 50 to 60 complaints a year about cyclists. They can involve conflicts on roads, trails or sidewalks with other users.

With that in mind, Pruden noted the importance of sharing roadways, trails and sidewalks, and all parties having patience with one another. "Motorists have to share the road,” he said.

Pruden said his department made local cycling clubs aware in February it would be reviewing the bylaw and looking for input. He's hoping the cycling clubs and others will take the survey

None of the local bike clubs could be reached for comment this morning for comment.

However, the Contagious Mountain Bike Club made note of the survey on its website (http://cmbcyukon.ca/), directing those interested to the city's site.