REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
October 11, 2018
FROM: SCOTT L. MOZIER, PE, Director
Public Works Department
BY: ANDREW J. BENELLI, PE, City Engineer/Assistant Director
Public Works Department, Traffic Operations and Planning Division
JILL GORMLEY, TE, City Traffic Engineer / Public Works Manager
Public Works Department, Traffic Operations and Planning Division
SUBJECT
Title
BILL - (For introduction) Adding Article 33 to Chapter 9 of the Fresno Municipal Code, relating to Shared Mobility Devices
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council consider for introduction the proposed Ordinance adding Article 33 to Chapter 9 of the Fresno Municipal Code (FMC), relating to Shared Mobility Devices. The Ordinance provides regulations and franchising of shared mobility devices.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Fresno currently does not have an ordinance which regulates shared mobility devices, such as e-scooters and shared bicycles. In order to be able to provide flexibility and quickly adapt to changing technologies and modes of transportation as well as protect public safety and promote community wellbeing, sustainability and equity, this ordinance will govern the regulation of shared mobility devices owners and users within the City.
BACKGROUND
The City of Fresno has received interest from companies requesting the deployment and operation of e-scooters and bicycle sharing companies. Most recently, a shared mobility device company deployed e-scooters in the City of Fresno without the proper permissions and licenses for operations. The ordinance would allow for a growing industry, which has proven to be a great attraction and alternative mode of transportation in other cities, to take advantage of the Fresno market while protecting public safety and promoting community wellbeing, sustainability and equity.
The California Vehicle Code governs the use of motorized and non-motorized forms of transportation, including bicycles and scooters. Shared mobility devices would be governed by these codes. Assembly Bill 2989 recently changed the laws governing e-scooters to expand the operating locations based on the posted speed limits, to include Class IV protected bicycle lanes and to require helmet use by operators under 18 years of age. This ordinance establishes regulations related to the franchising, abandonment, enforcement and regulations, and parking and operations of shared mobility devices.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
By definition provided in the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378 this ordinance does not qualify as a “project” and is therefore exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act requirements.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference does not apply because this ordinance does not include a bid or award a construction or services contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
No fiscal impact will occur as a result of adding the Shared Mobility Devices Ordinance. All costs for licenses and services will be borne by the owners, operators and users of the devices.
Attachment:
Shared Mobility Devices Ordinance