HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOUNCIL - AGENDA ITEM - 04/16/2019 - ITEMS RELATING TO ELECTRICAL ASSISTED BICYCLESAgenda Item 22
Item # 22 Page 1
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY April 16, 2019
City Council
STAFF
Tessa Greegor, FCBikes Program Manager
Paul Sizemore, FC Moves Senior Manager
Chris Van Hall, Legal
SUBJECT
Items Relating to Electrical Assisted Bicycles.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 045, 2019, Enacting a Temporary Exemption from Certain Restrictions
in Chapter 23 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins to Allow Electrical Assisted Bicycles on Paved Trails in
City Natural Area and Recreation Areas.
B. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 041, 2019, Amending Section 2106(2)(d) of the Fort Collins Traffic
Code Relating to Electrical Assisted Bicycles.
Ordinance No. 045, 2019, adopted on First Reading on March 19, 2019 by a vote of 6-1 (Nays: Cunniff)
implements a one-year pilot period to allow Class 1 and Class 2 electrical assisted bicycles (e-bikes) on City
paved trails. Ordinance No. 041, 2019, unanimously adopted on First Reading, updates the City Traffic Code
to remove the outdated term “motorized bicycle”.
In response to the growing popularity of e-bikes across the country, and the benefits e-bikes can provide to
individuals and communities in terms of health, mobility, and environmental sustainability, staff recommends
adoption of Ordinances allowing the use of Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on paved trails through a one-year
pilot program. E-bikes are allowed on paved trails in most Colorado communities, including neighboring
jurisdictions of Larimer County, Boulder County, Loveland, Longmont and Boulder. Eight Fort Collins City
boards and commissions have voted in favor of a pilot program to allow e-bikes on paved trails in Fort Collins.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinances on Second Reading.
ATTACHMENTS
1. First Reading Agenda Item Summary, March 19, 2019 (w/o attachments) (PDF)
2. Ordinance No. 045, 2019 (PDF)
3. Ordinance No. 041, 2019 (PDF)
Agenda Item 17
Item # 17 Page 1
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY March 19, 2019
City Council
STAFF
Tessa Greegor, FCBikes Program Manager
Paul Sizemore, FC Moves Senior Manager
Chris Van Hall, Legal
SUBJECT
Items Relating to Electrical Assisted Bicycles.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A. First Reading of Ordinance No. 045, 2019, Enacting a Temporary Exemption from Certain Restrictions in
Chapter 23 of the Code of the City of Fort Collins to Allow Electrical Assisted Bicycles on Paved Trails in
City Natural Area and Recreation Areas.
B. First Reading of Ordinance No. 041, 2019, Amending Section 2106(2)(d) of the Fort Collins Traffic Code
Relating to Electrical Assisted Bicycles.
The purpose of this item is to present two Ordinances for Council consideration to implement a one-year pilot
period to allow Class 1 and Class 2 electrical assisted bicycles (“e-bikes”) on City paved trails. In response to
the growing popularity of e-bikes across the country, and the benefits e-bikes can provide to individuals and
communities in terms of health, mobility, and environmental sustainability, staff recommends adoption of
Ordinances allowing the use of Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on paved trails through a one-year pilot program.
E-bikes are allowed on paved trails in most Colorado communities, including neighboring jurisdictions of Larimer
County, Boulder County, Loveland, Longmont and Boulder. Eight Fort Collins City boards and commissions
have voted in favor of a pilot program to allow e-bikes on paved trails in Fort Collins. In addition to the two
Ordinances relating to the e-bike pilot program, an Ordinance is presented to update the City Traffic Code to
remove the outdated term “motorized bicycle”.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends adoption of the Ordinances on First Reading.
BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION
In 2010-2011, City Council engaged in discussions around e-bikes that led to the adoption of the current
regulations in Fort Collins, which allow use of e-bikes in City recreation areas, including on trails, only by those
with temporary or permanent disabilities. During this time, Council also considered implementation of a trial
period to allow e-bikes on paved trails and ultimately voted against its implementation.
In August 2017, Colorado passed House Bill 17-1151 concerning the regulation of e-bikes; this law establishes
three classes of e-bikes, defines e-bikes as bicycles, and allows the operation of Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on
bike or pedestrian paths unless local governments prohibit such use. With the adoption of HB 17-1151, most
Colorado jurisdictions now allow operation of e-bikes on paved trails.
Following adoption of this new state law, the City’s Bicycle Advisory Committee (BAC) researched the topic of
allowing e-bikes on Fort Collins’ paved trail system. In April 2018, the BAC submitted a recommendation to the
ATTACHMENT 1
Agenda Item 17
Item # 17 Page 2
Transportation Board in support of a pilot program to allow and evaluate the use of Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes
on Fort Collins paved trails. Following this recommendation, the Transportation Board requested staff develop a
framework for an e-bike pilot program for their consideration.
Staff from FC Moves, Natural Areas, Parks, and Park Planning & Development developed a proposed framework
for this pilot program, which was subsequently presented to nine City Boards, Commissions and Committees for
their consideration and action; eight voted in favor of a pilot program to allow e-bikes on paved trails for one
year.
On February 12, 2019 staff presented the proposed pilot program to City Council during a work session. Several
councilmembers indicated support for the pilot program proposal and interest in considering an ordinance to
facilitate its implementation.
Existing E-bike Codes and Regulations
Consistent with Colorado Traffic Code, City Traffic Code defines e-bikes as a bicycle with two or three wheels,
fully operable pedals, and an electric motor that does not exceed 750 watts. City and Colorado Traffic Code
require e-bikes to conform to one of three classifications outlined in Table 1 and to be labeled accordingly. E-
bikes and e-bike riders are exempt from motor vehicle registration and license requirements.
Under Colorado law, Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are allowed on the same bicycle and pedestrian paths as
conventional bikes, unless regulated or restricted by local jurisdictions.
Fort Collins City Code currently prohibits the use of e-bikes while the motor is engaged on a bike or pedestrian
path or on a recreational trail unless the user has a temporary or permanent mobility disability.
Table 1: Classification of E-bikes (Colorado and Fort Collins Regulations)
Electrical
Assisted
Bicycle
Definition
A bicycle with two or three wheels, fully operable pedals, and an electric motor that
does not exceed 750 watts.
Class 1 An electrical assisted bicycle that is equipped with an electric motor that provides
assistance while the rider is pedaling up to 20 miles per hour.
Class 2 An electrical assisted bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance
regardless of whether the rider is pedaling but ceases to provide assistance when
the bicycle reaches a speed of 20 miles per hour.
Class 3 An electrical assisted bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only
when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle
reaches a speed of twenty-eight (28) miles per hour. Class 3 e-bikes include age
restrictions and require the use of helmets for people under the age of 18.
Proposed Code Updates
Overview:
Staff proposes a one-year trial period allowing Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on paved trails to begin on May
1, 2019. Prior to May 1, 2019, staff will conduct preliminary data collection and outreach to provide baseline
information. During the one-year pilot program, staff will collect public input and data on the use of Class 1
and Class 2 e-bikes on paved trails.
Following the one-year trial period, City Council will review public input, as well as any collected data to
understand impacts to trail user experience and safety, changes to bicycle utilization on trails and other
relevant findings to determine whether e-bikes should continue to be allowed on paved Natural Area and
Recreation Trails, or to otherwise impose additional rules and regulations to ensure safe and efficient use of
the City’s trail systems.
Agenda Item 17
Item # 17 Page 3
Ordinance No. 045, 2019
An ordinance has been provided for Council consideration that does not change the City Code but rather enacts
a temporary exemption from the e-bike prohibition that is currently in the code to implement the proposed pilot
program.
Enacts a one-year exemption from certain restrictions in Chapter 23 of the City Code relating to the use of
e-bikes on trails to allow the use of Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on paved designated trails in Natural Areas
and Recreation Areas.
Effective May 1, 2019 through the end of April 30, 2020.
In addition to the above ordinance related to the e-bike pilot program, Staff proposes the following changes to
Traffic Code/Section 2106 - Sidewalks and trails.
Updating Section 2106 (2)(d) to replace the term “motorized bicycle” with “low-power scooter”, which is
consistent with current state law and city code terminology for such vehicles.
Restricting “low-power scooters” from riding upon or along a sidewalk or crosswalk unless the operator has
dismounted.
This change removes the outdated term “motorized bicycle” that is no longer used in Traffic Code and State Law
and replaces it with the current term “low-power scooter” that is currently used by Traffic Code and State Law.
This change is meant to avoid confusion between the outdated term “motorized bicycle” and the newer reference
to the term “electrical assisted bicycle.”
E-Bike Pilot Program Framework
Overview
Staff recommends City Council implement a one-year pilot program to allow and evaluate Class 1 and Class 2
e-bikes on paved trails to:
Assess public opinion and perceptions around allowing e-bikes on paved trails.
Collect data to understand impacts to trail user experience and safety.
Measure changes to bicycle utilization on trails.
Increase awareness of proper trail etiquette and trail use laws.
Collect comprehensive data to be able to report back in areas of concern.
In partnership with City Departments, regional partners, and community stakeholders, staff is proposing to
conduct education and outreach, and collect feedback and data to provide a comprehensive picture of the
impacts and perceptions around e-bikes on paved trails both during the pilot program and prior to its
implementation. Attachment 1 further outlines the type of information that will be collected prior to and following
implementation of the pilot program, which can serve as the basis for determining next steps following the one-
year trial.
Prior to the expiration of the pilot period, staff will provide Boards, Commissions and ultimately Council with the
information gathered during the pilot period. Council can then determine if the pilot program should be extended,
made permanent, modified, or be allowed to expire.
Pilot Program Evaluation and Data Collection
Data will be collected to assess safety, trail experience impacts, perspectives on allowing e-bikes on paved trails,
and overall trail use. The following data will be collected prior to the implementation of the pilot and during the
pilot in order to provide baseline information and help decision makers in determining the impacts of the pilot
and next steps following its completion:
Agenda Item 17
Item # 17 Page 4
Bicycle speed assessments
Trail counts (e-bike use) and e-bike retail sales
Crash / incident reports (involving e-bikes)
Trail surveys
Observation study (user behavior / etiquette)
In addition, the following data will be collected during or throughout the pilot program:
Trail Ranger observations
Noise assessment
Online survey
Retail sales
Intercept trail surveys
General comments and surveys
Education and Outreach
Extensive education and outreach will be conducted in coordination with the City’s FC Moves, Natural Areas,
Parks, Park Planning & Development, and Police Services Departments. In addition, staff will collaborate with
regional partners (including Larimer County and Boulder County), local bike shops, local bicycle organizations,
and CSU to assist with the education and outreach campaign and ensure consistent messaging. The following
education and outreach strategies will be utilized:
Educational brochures and handouts distributed through retailers and at events
E-bike specific signage on trails
Trail etiquette signage on trails, 15 mph courtesy speed limit signage
Press releases
FCTV video
Website information
Social media and email communications
Trail pop-up education and outreach events
E-bike demo days
Enforcement and Trail Speeds
Staff recommends that the pilot program emphasize the following enforcement strategies:
Signage at key locations indicating where and what types of e-bikes are allowed
Extensive user education and outreach with an emphasis on trail etiquette, courtesy speed limit of 15 mph,
and other trail laws
Data collection including speed snapshots to determine if and where speeding problems exist
Warnings or citations issued by Rangers when feasible
During the pilot program, observational data will be collected by Rangers, other City staff and volunteers,
and the public will have opportunities to report conflicts and provide input. If it is determined the presence
of e-bikes on paved trails is contributing to user conflicts or unsafe behaviors, staff will partner with Police
Services to conduct targeted enforcement at key locations.
Ultimately, the data and feedback collected through the pilot program will help inform if policies and/or regulations
should be modified.
Agenda Item 17
Item # 17 Page 5
CITY FINANCIAL IMPACTS
The implementation of this pilot program is expected to cost between $5,000 and $10,000, not including staff
time. The implementation of the education and data collection will be supported through volunteers and
partnerships with other organizations and stakeholders. Additional resources may be necessary if other elements
are added to the pilot program scope beyond what is currently proposed, such as increased enforcement. The
cost of this pilot program will be covered through existing program budgets.
BOARD / COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION
Staff presented the pilot program proposal to the following nine City boards, commissions and committee; eight
voted in favor of a pilot program to allow e-bikes on paved trails.
Bicycle Advisory Committee (unanimous in support), April 2018
Transportation Board (support 7-1), August 2018
Commission on Disability (initial staff presentation - September 2018), (did not support), February 2019
Natural Resources Advisory Board (unanimous in support), October 2018
Land Conservation & Stewardship Board (6-1, in support of a modified version of the proposed pilot program,
recommending Class 1 e-bikes only and including specific criteria for the evaluation), October 2018
Senior Advisory Board (unanimous in support), November 2018
Parks and Recreation Board (unanimous in support), December 2018
Air Quality Advisory Board (unanimous in support), January 2019
Youth Advisory Board (unanimous in support), February 2019
PUBLIC OUTREACH
In addition to the boards and commissions outreach completed as part of this process, a survey was conducted
at the City’s June 3, 2018 Open Streets event to provide a snapshot of public opinions. Of the 98 responses to
this survey, 70% indicated support for the proposed pilot program.
In addition, staff has received feedback from local bicycle organizations regarding their perspectives on the pilot
program. Bike Fort Collins, Fort Collins Cycling Club, PeopleforBikes, and Bicycle Colorado have issued
comments in favor of the proposed pilot program.
The pilot program is designed to serve as the opportunity for extensive public input. Through the strategies
identified above, staff will seek feedback from trail users and the general public regarding their position on
allowing e-bikes on paved trails. This feedback will be presented to City Council to assist with determining if the
City should permanently allow e-bikes on its paved trails.
ATTACHMENTS
1. E Bike Pilot Program Framework (PDF)
2. Bicycle Advisory Commitee Recommendation Memo (PDF)
3. Transportation Board Minutes and Recommendation, August 15, 2018 (PDF)
4. Senior Advisory Board Minutes and Recommendation, November 14, 2018 (PDF)
5. Natural Resources Advisory Board Recommendation and minutes (PDF)
6. Land Conservation & Stewardship Board - Recommendation and minutes (PDF)
7. Parks and Recreation Board Minutes and Recommendation (PDF)
8. Air Quality Advisory Board Draft Minutes and Recommendation (PDF)
9. Commission on Disability Memo (PDF)
10. Youth Advisory Board Draft Minutes and Recommendation (PDF)
11. Work Session Summary, February 12, 2019 (PDF)
12. Triple Bottom Line (PDF)
13. Powerpoint presentation (PDF)
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ORDINANCE NO. 045, 2019
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
ENACTING A TEMPORARY EXEMPTION FROM CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS IN
CHAPTER 23 OF THE CODE OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
TO ALLOW ELECTRICAL ASSISTED BICYCLES ON PAVED TRAILS
IN CITY NATURAL AREA AND RECREATION AREAS
WHEREAS, the City currently prohibits electrical assisted bicycles, as that term is defined
in the Fort Collins Traffic Code, from operating on Natural Areas and Recreation trails within the
City; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to extensive staff outreach, there is public interest in allowing the
use of electrical assisted bicycles on Natural Areas and Recreation trails; and
WHEREAS, the City needs to balance the use of electrical assisted bicycles on Natural
Areas and Recreation trails with current use of such trails by bicycles and pedestrians, as well as
maintain the City’s interest in conservation and stewardship of its natural areas and recreation
spaces; and
WHEREAS, in order to balance these interests, City Council desires to implement a one-
year pilot period to allow Class 1 and Class 2 electrical assisted bicycles on paved Natural Area
and Recreation trails within the City to collect public input and data on such use; and
WHEREAS, after the one-year period, City Council will review public input, as well as
any collected data to understand impacts to trail user experience and safety, changes to bicycle
utilization on trails and other relevant findings to determine whether electrical assisted bicycles
should continue to be allowed on paved Natural Area and Recreation trails, or to otherwise impose
additional rules and regulations to ensure safe and efficient use of the City’s trail systems.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That the City Council hereby makes and adopts the determinations and
findings contained in the recitals set forth above.
Section 2. That for the purposes of this Ordinance, the term “electrical assisted
bicycle” shall be defined as follows:
Electrical assisted bicycle. A vehicle having two (2) or three (3) wheels fully operable
pedals, and an electric motor not exceeding seven hundred fifty (750) watts of power.
Electrical assisted bicycles are further required to conform to one (1) of three (3) classes
as follows:
"Class 1 electrical assisted bicycle" means an electrical assisted bicycle equipped with a
motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide
assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of twenty (20) miles per hour.
-2-
"Class 2 electrical assisted bicycle" means an electrical assisted bicycle equipped with a
motor that provides assistance regardless of whether the rider is pedaling but ceases to
provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of twenty (20) miles per hour.
"Class 3 electrical assisted bicycle" means an electrical assisted bicycle equipped with a
motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that ceases to provide
assistance when the bicycle reaches a speed of twenty-eight (28) miles per hour.
The term "electrical assisted bicycles" shall include class 1, 2 and 3, unless otherwise
specified.
Section 3. That from the effective date of this Ordinance through the end of April
2020, as a temporary exception to the limitation on the use of electrical assisted bicycles in City
Code Section 23-193(d)(18), Class 1 and Class 2 electrical assisted bicycles hereby are allowed
on paved designated trails only in a natural area. Class 3 electrical assisted bicycles are not allowed
on any trail in any natural area.
Section 4. That from the effective date of this Ordinance through the end of April
2020, as a temporary exception to the limitation on the use of electrical assisted bicycles in City
Code Section 23-203(a)(1), Class 1 and Class 2 electrical assisted bicycles hereby are allowed on
paved designated trails only in a recreation area. Class 3 electrical assisted bicycles are not allowed
on any trail in any recreation area
Section 5. This Ordinance will go into effect on May 1, 2019, and the temporary
exception authorized hereunder shall end at the end of April 30, 2020.
Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 19th day of
March, A.D. 2019, and to be presented for final passage on the 16th day of April, A.D. 2019.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
City Clerk
-3-
Passed and adopted on final reading on the 16th day of April, A.D. 2019.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
City Clerk
-1-
ORDINANCE NO. 041, 2019
OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT COLLINS
AMENDING SECTION 2106(2)(d) OF THE FORT COLLINS TRAFFIC CODE
RELATING TO ELECTRICAL ASSISTED BICYCLES
WHEREAS, at the time of the adoption of the Traffic Code, it was the understanding of
staff and the City Council that the Traffic Code would most likely be subject to future amendments,
not only for the purposes of clarification and correction of errors, but also to ensure that the Traffic
Code remains consistent with State law; and
WHEREAS, it is the City Council’s desire to amend the Fort Collins Traffic Code to clarify
a provision that uses the term “motorized bicycles,” which term should read “low-power scooter”
to be consistent with the City Code and State law; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that the Traffic Code amendments which
have been proposed are in the best interest of the City and are necessary for the health, safety and
welfare of its citizens.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FORT
COLLINS as follows:
Section 1. That the City Council hereby makes and adopts the determinations and
findings contained in the recitals set forth above.
Section 2. That Section 2106(2)(d) of the Fort Collins Traffic Code is hereby amended
to read as follows:
2106. - Sidewalks and trails.
. . .
(d) Low-power scooters are restricted at all times from riding upon and along a
sidewalk, or across a highway or street upon or along a crosswalk, except when the
low-power scooter operator has dismounted the low-power scooter and is walking
the low-power scooter under human power.
. . .
Section 3. This Ordinance will go into effect on May 1, 2019.
-2-
Introduced, considered favorably on first reading, and ordered published this 19th day of
March, A.D. 2019, and to be presented for final passage on the 16th day of April, A.D. 2019.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
City Clerk
Passed and adopted on final reading on the 16th day of April, A.D. 2019.
__________________________________
Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
City Clerk