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11 <br /> THE CITY OF <br /> CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT <br /> PLEASANTON. <br /> June 20, 2023 <br /> Library and Recreation <br /> City Attorney <br /> TITLE: INTRODUCE AND WAIVE FIRST READING OF AN ORDINANCE TO <br /> PERMIT E-BIKES ON TRAILS AND PATHWAYS, AND IN PARKS AND <br /> RECREATION FACILITIES, SUBJECT ALL BIKES TO A 15 MPH SPEED <br /> LIMIT OR SLOWER FOR SAFE OPERATION, AND OTHER <br /> REGULATIONS, BY AMENDING MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 11 VEHICLES <br /> AND TRAFFIC AND CHAPTER 13.08 PARKS AND RECREATION <br /> FACILITIES <br /> SUMMARY <br /> With the growing popularity of bikes with electric motors (e-bikes), Assembly Bill 1909 <br /> was approved in 2022, and removes the prohibition on e-bikes on trails and pathways <br /> and allows local jurisdictions to adopt their own e-bike regulations. The current <br /> Pleasanton Municipal Code prohibits motorized bicycles in park and recreation facilities. <br /> With a focus on safety, balanced with an acknowledgment of the existing use of e-bikes <br /> in Pleasanton, the proposed amendments would allow e-bikes on trails and pathways, <br /> and in parks and recreation facilities wherever existing regular bikes are allowed. All <br /> bikes would be subject to a 15 mph speed limit, or slower if circumstances warrant, <br /> unless the bike is on a bikeway or bicycle lane on a public street where bikes are <br /> subject to California Vehicle Code laws. The regulations do not distinguish between <br /> different classes of e-bikes due to practical enforcement challenges. E-bikes would be <br /> required to yield to pedestrians and equestrians, and be prohibited from the City's BMX <br /> park. E-bike usage supports the Climate Action Plan and General Plan's Circulation <br /> Element, allows people with limited physical ability to bike, and creates more commute <br /> and errand options. <br /> RECOMMENDATION <br /> Introduce and waive the first reading of the ordinance. Both the Bicycle, Pedestrian and <br /> Trails Committee and the Parks and Recreation Commission recommend allowing e- <br /> bikes as provided in the proposed ordinance. <br /> FINANCIAL STATEMENT <br /> There would be an insignificant cost to create and apply stickers to update signs in <br /> parks and recreation facilities about bike speed limit. Existing staff will enforce the <br /> ordinance as needed. <br /> Page 1 of 14 <br />