Title
An Ordinance Amending Article 1 of Chapter 4, of the Chapter 4 of the Code of Colorado Springs 2001, as Amended, Pertaining to Electrical Assisted Bicycles
Presenter:
Britt Haley, Director, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department
Lonna Thelen, Program Manager, Trails, Open Space and Parks (TOPS) Program
Scott Abbott, Manager, Regional Parks, Trails and Open Space
Body
Summary:
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PRCS) Department is working to adopt a policy for the use of electrical assisted bicycles ("e-bikes") across the park system. E-bikes and motorized uses are prohibited on many regional park properties and open spaces. However, as the popularity of e-bikes continues to grow, PRCS receives more and more requests to allow e-bikes in more places. In February of 2024, PRCS convened an E-bike Task Force. An e-bike survey was available for community members to take from June 14 through August 4 of 2024. This presentation will recommend an e-bike policy which allows Class 1 e-bikes on all trails (including regional park and open space trails) and allows Class 1 and 2 e-bikes on urban/regional trails within the PRCS system.
Background:
In February and March of 2024, nine community stakeholders and five PRCS staff engaged with a facilitator to provide concrete and specific guidance to the PRCS staff for what should be included in a modern trail policy inclusive of e-bikes. The following task force recommendations were determined:
? Create clear, user-friendly definitions to inform policy
? Design a robust stakeholder engagement process
? Develop successful implementation ideas
? Identify what changes are needed and make a proposal
From June 14 through August 4 of 2024, staff administered a thirteen-question survey to determine support or opposition for two alternative options for e-bikes.
? Alternative 1 - Class 1 e-bikes allowed on all trails in open spaces and Class 1 and 2 e-bikes allowed on urban/regional trails wit...
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