E | Consideration and Adoption of Resolution No. 2019-28 and Ordinance No. 2019-19: A resolution and ordinance amending the Flagstaff City Code, Title 8, Streets and Public Ways and Title 9, Traffic, Chapter 9-05, Bicycles. | ||||||||||||
The following individuals spoke in favor of allowing bikes on all FUTS trails:
Councilmember Whelan stated that she believes that the conversation has gotten too far in front of the issue. There is little data available to support a significant shift from current practices. She stated that e-bikes should be treated as regular bikes and if there are regulations on e-bikes they should also apply to regular bikes.Her recommendation is that Class 1 and 2 e-bikes should be allowed on all trails with the exception of some select trails that should be preserved for pedestrians only. She would like to see a committee of people to get together and determine which trails are best for young people to ride bikes, for where strollers to go, and where e-bikes are most appropriate. Education and signage is extremely important, this is a behavioral issue not an equipment issue. Councilmember McCarthy stated that it is unfortunate that the conversation has become so polarized. The existing rule is that e-bikes are not allowed on FUTS because since 1988 they have been designated as non-motorized trails. He recommended the following trails be limited to non-motorized transportation only: Arizona Trail, Buffalo Park (Nate Avery Trail), Switzer Canyon Trail, Observatory Mesa Trails, Sinclair Wash Trails, and the Karen Cooper Trail. Councilmember Aslan stated that he is supportive of allowing all bikes on FUTS trails but acknowledged that there is room for conversation about Councilmember McCarthy’s suggestion. There is a lot of misunderstanding and misinformation going around on the issue. There is no significant difference between an e-bike and a regular bike and it does not make sense to prohibit e-bikes but not regular bikes from certain trails. His understanding of the designation of non-motorized travel for FUTS applies to transportation such as ATVs, motorcycles, and other off-road, gasoline powered equipment. If there is consideration about not allowing e-bikes in certain areas, the same should apply to regular bikes as well. Councilmember Odegaard stated that he believes that an e-bike is a bicycle and should be allowed where regular bikes are allowed today. Councilmember Salas stated that Vice Mayor Shimoni has a bike shop that could benefit from the decision being made on the matter. Even though it is a remote interest he should recuse himself from voting. Mr. Solomon indicated that a remote interest does not require a recusal from voting and that the decision rests with the councilmember. Councilmember Salas indicated that she is concerned about safety if e-bikes are permitted on the FUTS. The FUTS trails connect with other county, state, and federal trails, and those partners need to be engaged in the conversation. NAU also needs to be involved because they are bringing in a vendor that will be including e-bikes in their fleet. A bigger conversation is needed before a decision can be made. Mayor Evans stated that there needs to be better regulation of all bikes. They need to have a license, there needs to be designated areas for young riders to ride their bikes, and penalties are needed for bicycling under the influence. It is unfortunate that the issue is so divisive. She is supportive of considering Councilmember McCarthy’s suggestions, but she would like for commissions to consider and weigh in. Modifications to the ordinance can always be made if needed. |
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Moved by Vice Mayor Adam Shimoni, seconded by Councilmember Austin Aslan to adopt Resolution No. 2019-28. | |||||||||||||
Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Councilmember Jamie Whelan to amend the motion to prohibit Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on the Arizona Trail within Flagstaff city limits. | |||||||||||||
Vote: 4 - 3 | |||||||||||||
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Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Mayor Coral Evans to amend the motion to prohibit Class 1 and Class 2 e-bike on the Nate Avery and Buffalo Park trails. | |||||||||||||
Vote: 5 - 2 | |||||||||||||
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Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Councilmember Jamie Whelan to amend the motion to allow the Pedestrian Advisory Committee, Bicycle Advisory Committee, and Transportation Commission to review the Flagstaff FUTS trails to make a recommendations on any other trails where e-bikes should be prohibited. | |||||||||||||
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously | |||||||||||||
Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Councilmember Regina Salas to amend the motion to include that signage should be added to the trail giving proper etiquette established by staff or committees and a speed limit of 15 mph for all bikes be posted on trails. | |||||||||||||
Vote: 2 - 5 | |||||||||||||
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Moved by Councilmember Jim McCarthy, seconded by Councilmember Regina Salas to amend the motion to protect the Observatory Mesa by prohibiting all e-bikes on Mars Hill and Tunnel Springs Trails. | |||||||||||||
Vote: 2 - 5 | |||||||||||||
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Moved by Vice Mayor Adam Shimoni, seconded by Councilmember Jim McCarthy to amend the motion to include the review of signage regarding biking etiquette by the Bicycle Advisory Committee, Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and Transportation Commission. | |||||||||||||
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously | |||||||||||||
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously | |||||||||||||
Moved by Vice Mayor Adam Shimoni, seconded by Councilmember Austin Aslan to read Ordinance No. 2019-19 by title only for the final time as amended. | |||||||||||||
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously | |||||||||||||
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FLAGSTAFF, ARIZONA AMENDING TITLE 8, STREETS AND PUBLIC WAYS AND TITLE 9, TRAFFIC, CHAPTER 9-05, BICYCLES, OF THE FLAGSTAFF CITY CODE | |||||||||||||
Moved by Councilmember Austin Aslan, seconded by Councilmember Charlie Odegaard to adopt Ordinance No. 2019-19 as amended. | |||||||||||||
Vote: 7 - 0 - Unanimously | |||||||||||||