Title
Receive a report regarding a draft ordinance for E-bike and electric transportation use within the County of Monterey parks and open space, and provide comment or recommendations to staff.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the Monterey County Parks Commission receive a report regarding a draft ordinance for E-bike and electric transportation use within the County of Monterey parks and open space, and provide comment or recommendations to staff.
SUMMARY/HISTORY:
December 2, 2021 - County of Monterey Parks Commission received a comprehensive informational report regarding the use of electric bikes (E-bikes) within the County of Monterey parks and open space (Attachment A).
December 1, 2022 - Parks staff provided a verbal update on E-bikes and an Ad Hoc Committee was formed to research E-bikes and report back to the full Commission with a recommendation on how to move forward with regulating E-bike use. The Ad Hoc Committee consisted of Commissioners Getzeleman, Sanchez and Stracke. Meeting minutes included (Attachment B).
July 7. 2023 - Ad Hoc Committee presented their research including a County-wide survey and provide a recommendation to the full Commission (Attachment C), at which time a robust discussion took place. The Commission was split between regulating only E-bikes or all forms of non-vehicular electric transportation. Consensus was reached with creating a speed limit for all forms of trail use transportation. Parks staff also recommended including a trail etiquette policy that would improve trail safety between various user groups. Parks staff stated they would return with a draft ordinance for consideration.
June 6, 2024 - The draft ordinance was presented to the Parks Commission for review and comment and a robust discussion ensued. The Commission was split in their consideration regarding E-bike classifications, maximum speed limit and passing speed limit. The Commission advised staff to return at the next meeting with an updated draft ordinance for consideration.
October 3, 2024 - Revised draft ordinance presented to Commission for review and comment (Attachment E).
Prepared by: Bryan Flores, Chief of Parks (831) 796-6425
Approved by: Randell Ishii, MS, PE, TE, PTOE, Director of Public Works, Facilities, & Parks
Attachments:
Attachment A - E-bike staff report, December 1, 2021, carried from November 3, 2021
Attachment B - Parks Commission minutes, December 1, 2022
Attachment C - Ad Hoc Committee report, July 7, 2023
Attachment D - Draft E-bike ordinance, June 6, 2024
Attachment E - Updated (redline) Draft E-bike ordinance