Title
a. Receive a report on the draft E-bike Ordinance amending County of Monterey Code Chapter 14.12; and
b. Support staff moving the draft E-bike Ordinance to the Board of Supervisors for consideration and adoption.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Monterey County Parks Commission:
a. Receive a report on the draft E-bike Ordinance amending County of Monterey Code Chapter 14.12; and
b. Support staff moving the draft E-bike Ordinance to the Board of Supervisors for consideration and adoption.
SUMMARY:
The proposed update to County of Monterey Code 14.12 (Attachment A) will allow the use and enforcement of e-bikes on trails within County parks. The amendments to the ordinance will take effect on the thirty-first day after adoption by the Board of Supervisors.
Draft ordinance amending the County of Monterey Code Chapter Subsections:
-14.12.010 -Definitions, to add a definition for electric bicycles (e-bikes), Class 1-3 e-bikes; and
-14.12.060 -Transportation, to allow the use of e-bikes on Monterey County park trails; and
-14.12.060 -Transportation, to include safe passages language which requires a maximum of 5 mph be adhered to when passing park users, that pedestrians give way to equestrians and that cyclists give way to pedestrians and equestrians.
DISCUSSION/HISTORY:
The proposed update to County of Monterey Code 14.12 (Attachment A) will allow the use and enforcement of e-bikes on trails within County parks. The updated ordinance will take effect on the thirty-first day after adoption by the Board of Supervisors.
December 2, 2021 - The County of Monterey Parks Commission (Commission) received a comprehensive informational report regarding the use of e-bikes within various jurisdictional boundaries including the County of Monterey.
December 1, 2022 - Parks staff provide a verbal update regarding e-bikes. An Ad Hoc Committee (Committee) was formed to research e-bikes and meet with local community members regarding the use of e-bikes in County parks. The newly formed Committee consisted of Commissioners Getzelman, Sanchez and Stracke.
July 2023 - The Commission released a County-wide survey to gather information regarding a possible update to the ordinance for e-bike use within County parks. The survey was distributed to user groups previously involved with trail use at County parks and specialty use groups such as the Monterey Offroad Cycling Association (MORCA), community members, park visitors, and County employees. The survey was posted on social media platforms and advertised in local print media.
November 2023 through October 2024 - During this time period, the survey results were presented, and various discussions took place at numerous Commission meeting. The survey detailed that the public was in favor of allowing e-bikes to be used in County parks. Commissioners and staff discussed issues such as speed limits, trail etiquette and whether other electric transportation modalities should be allowed. Multiple versions of a draft ordinance were presented and discussed during Commission meetings.
January 8, 2025 - Chief of Parks Bryan Flores, presented information on the draft e-bike ordinance to the Transportation Agency for Monterey County (TAMC) Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. The TAMC committee was supportive of the County’s efforts to regulate e-bike use within County Parks.
Staff requests the Commission support moving the draft E-Bike Ordinance, to the Board of Supervisors for consideration and adoption.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Parks conferred with the Bureau of Land Management, California State Parks, and Monterey Peninsula Regional Park District regarding existing e-bike regulations. Comments were received from the Transportation Agency of Monterey County Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee following a presentation on the draft ordinance.
The Office of County Counsel reviewed the draft ordinance and approved as to form.
FINANCING:
No financial impact will result from the recommendation and related action.
Prepared by: Bryan Flores, Chief of Parks, (831) 796-6425
Approved by: Randell Ishii, MS, PE, TE, PTOE, Director of PWFP
Attachments:
Attachment A - Draft Ordinance