ORD 2247 - Laserfiche WebLink

ORDINANCE NO. 2247 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PLEASANTON TO PERMIT ALL CLASSES OF E-BIKES ON TRAILS AND PATHWAYS, AND IN PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES, SUBJECT ALL BIKES TO A 15 MPH MAXIMUM SPEED LIMIT OR SLOWER FOR SAFE OPERATION, AND OTHER REGULATIONS, BY AMENDING MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 11 VEHICLES AND TRAFFIC AND CHAPTER 13.08 PARKS AND RECREATION FACILITIES WHEREAS, AB 1909 (2022) amended the California Vehicle Code regarding a-bikes(also known as electric bicycles) by removing the prohibition on Class 3 e-bikes (bicycles equipped with an electric motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and stops assisting when the bike speed reaches 28 miles per hour)from being operated on bicycle paths, equestrian trails, and hiking or recreational trails that do not exist within or adjacent to a roadway; and WHEREAS, the Pleasanton Municipal Code currently does not address a-bikes and has a general prohibition against motorized bicycles from operating in park and recreation facilities; and WHEREAS, a-bikes are growing in popularity; surveys show that a-bike riders use their e- bikes more frequently than regular bike riders; a-bikes are popular with persons with diminished physical ability; Class 1 (pedal-assisted a-bike with motor assisting only when rider pedaling with maximum speed of 20 mph), Class 2 (throttle-assisted a-bike where motor can operate exclusively with assistance ending at 20 mph) and Class 3 e-bikes are already being used in Pleasanton including in park and recreation facilities; and WHEREAS, the General Plan Circulation Element Policy 8 "Maximize traffic safety for automobile, transit, bicycle users and pedestrians." is satisfied with these proposed municipal code amendments as they permit a-bikes on trails and pathways, and in park and recreation facilities, which will make some a-bike riders feel safer separated from automobiles; and speed limits and safe operation requirements — including yielding to pedestrians — provides for both bicycle user and pedestrian safety; and WHEREAS, the Climate Action Plan 2.0 includes as an implementation measure: "S4. VMT [vehicle miles travelled] reduction for K-12 activities" that supports alternative transportation like a-bikes in-lieu of automobiles; and WHEREAS, the Community Trails Master Plan has a goal to make Pleasanton a city where walking and biking are viable alternatives to the automobile for daily trips, and allowing all classes of a-bikes will assist a-bike riders to travel longer distances and carry extra weight from small children, groceries or other items; and WHEREAS, the Bicycle, Pedestrian and Trails Committee at its meeting of April 24, 2023, and the Park and Recreation Commission at its meeting of May 11, 2023, both received public comments and had deliberations that resulted in each advisory body recommending that the City Council allow all classes of a-bikes on trails and pathways, and in park and recreation facilities, subject to a maximum 15 mph speed limit (or slower if conditions warrant) and other requirements for safe operation; and